Efforts to combat child labour in Busia County have recorded notable progress through the Action Against Child Labour Programme launched in 2022.
The programme has helped address child labour cases by identifying and tackling their root causes through community engagement, awareness campaigns and economic support for vulnerable families.
The programme is jointly implemented by Terres des Hommes Netherlands, the County Government of Busia and Investing in Children and Their Societies (ICS CP).
Speaking during a validation workshop for the endline evaluation study and close-out of the programme in Busia town, Terres des Hommes Netherlands Country Director Magdalene Mwoki identified poverty as one of the leading drivers of child labour.
“We found that poverty at the household level, low awareness of children’s rights, weak enforcement of laws and cases where parents push children into exploitation are key factors,” Mwoki said.
She noted that since the programme’s launch, children have been empowered to understand and advocate for their rights.
“We have also worked with families and communities through awareness campaigns, capacity building and economic support, while engaging duty bearers to ensure laws are enforced to protect children,” she added.
Mwoki expressed concern over the growing trend of child exploitation, particularly along the Northern Transport Corridor, describing it as secretive and well organised.
“We have mapped several hotspots, where sexual exploitation and exploitative labour occur. Our findings show that many children are being secretly exploited, with potential perpetrators identified in sectors such as lodgings, bars and among some truck drivers,” she said.
She further revealed that research conducted in Busia County indicates that more than 60 per cent of children reached by the programme are engaged in child labour in one form or another.
“Some children work full-time, while others work after school. Girls are more affected in-service sectors such as bars, restaurants and lodgings, while boys are mainly involved in street businesses and sand harvesting. Poverty remains the main driver,” she said.
Philip Nzenge, from the State Department for Children Services, said the government supports inclusive and collective approaches in addressing child labour, noting that Busia, Kilifi and Kitui counties record some of the highest cases.
“When children are engaged in labour, they cannot achieve their full potential. That is why partnerships with agencies committed to ending child labour are critical,” Nzenge said, urging stakeholders, including the media, to intensify public awareness on children’s rights.
Programmes Coordinator at ICS CP, Mourine Ochieng, recommended a multisectoral approach involving the ministries of Health, Labour and Education, among others.
“We must strengthen meaningful child participation beyond schools into homes and communities, while empowering parents and caregivers to understand their role in protecting children,” she said.
Teso North Sub-County Children’s Officer Patrick Mukolwe said collaboration among stakeholders has improved awareness of children’s rights, leading to increased school enrolment and greater confidence among children to report violations.
“We have seen improvements in school enrolment and children’s ability to speak up. However, neglect remains a challenge, and more sensitisation is needed to reduce child labour,” Mukolwe said.
He added that involving fathers in child protection programmes is crucial in strengthening families and reducing child exploitation.
“We still have a lot to do. We must build on existing structures and knowledge to ensure that every child in Busia is protected from labour and exploitation,” he added.
By Rodgers Omondi
