Kuresoi North MP Alfred Mutai has pledged that he will push for legislation that protects and promotes the rights of children by ensuring access to quality education, shelter, food and healthcare to preserve the next generation, which is the foundation of the national heritage.
Mutai indicated that the Kenya Kwanza government was keen to protect and promote the rights of all children, noting that the future of any nation lies in its offspring; hence, ample resources must be set aside to ensure their well-being.
Noting that the protection and promotion of children’s rights begins from the society, the MP called on all stakeholders and parents to cultivate an enabling environment to uphold their rights by planning and budgeting sufficiently at the household level to provide for their basic needs like food, shelter, education and others.
Mutai spoke in his constituency as he offered Christmas goodies to some needy families, where he also unveiled a newly constructed house for a family of orphaned children.
He underscored the need for accessible, quality education for every child in Kenya, noting that there was a need for strategic investment in children’s welfare and development to build a prosperous and stable country. “It is important to set aside a sizeable budget to cater for children needs and ensure that their rights are fulfilled. We are keen as members of parliament to ensure that children’s rights are protected. The foundation of children’s rights takes root from the society to the national level,” he emphasized.
Mutai urged parents to prioritize the education of their children, despite the current financial challenges they were facing.
“The government provides a conducive environment for learning. It recognizes the different competencies and talents of the children to ensure no child is left behind,” explained the MP.
Soar Kenya Foundation Executive Director James Yegon called on all government agencies and stakeholders to take part in the protection and promotion of children’s rights through proper planning and budgeting as a way of empowering them through various initiatives focusing on education, healthcare and protection.
He highlighted that every development plan, whether national or local, must deliberately prioritize children’s needs in education, healthcare and social well-being.
The Executive Director emphasized that a nation’s commitment to children should be evident in how it invests in the welfare of children to ensure a more equitable future.
“Targeted interventions must address the unique needs of vulnerable groups such as girls, children in conflict zones, and those living with disabilities. Their voices must be heard, valued and integrated into policy-making and planning processes,” he noted.
Yegon stressed the foundation’s commitment to supporting vulnerable groups including orphans, widows and persons with disabilities, during these tough economic times to help them overcome the social challenges.
“In our continuous efforts to reach out to the people, we remain committed to supporting the neediest among the community. Today’s donation may not solve every problem, but it will help reduce the pressure on families and give them some relief,” he concluded.
The beneficiaries, who included widows struggling to provide for their children, welcomed the kind gesture with joy.
They appreciated the support from their area MP and other well-wishers, saying that it would enable them to provide a decent meal for their families this festive season.
One of the beneficiaries, Jane Gogo, thanked the MP, saying the food items had come at the right time. “This shows we are not forgotten,” she said.
By Jane Ngugi and Dennis Rasto
