An alarm has been raised over the increasing cases of child neglect and abandonment in Maragua Constituency, Murang’a County, with the Children’s Department calling on parents and guardians to take full responsibility in safeguarding the welfare of children.
Speaking at Kenol Township, Murang’a South, Children’s Officer Evelyne Miring’u expressed concern over the growing number of neglect cases, revealing that her office is currently handling more than ten cases daily, a trend she described as worrying.
“With schools reopening, we have recorded a surge in cases of child neglect and abandonment. What is even more alarming is that some of the affected children are infants,” said Miring’u.
She disclosed that in the past few weeks alone, three infants were abandoned in public places but were fortunately rescued by well-wishers and placed in foster care.
“These cases amount to threatened abandonment. In most instances, perpetrators disappear without a trace, yet the law is very clear on parental responsibility and the consequences of neglecting children,” she added.
Miring’u attributed the rising cases to a range of factors, including family conflicts and separations, unprepared parenthood, moral decay, alcohol and substance abuse, and poverty, noting that such challenges often leave children exposed to harm.
She warned that neglect exposes children to serious risks, including defilement, early school dropout, child labour, and engagement in unsafe livelihoods, challenges the sub-county continues to grapple with.
“Neglecting children also increases their vulnerability to defilement, and in many cases, these crimes are committed by individuals known to the child,” she said, adding that cases of incest have also been reported in the area.
The Children’s Officer cautioned parents against attempting to resolve defilement and other child abuse cases through informal or “kangaroo” justice systems, stressing that such actions deny victims justice and protection. “All cases of child abuse must be reported immediately so that perpetrators can face the criminal justice system, while victims receive legal aid, medical care, and psychosocial support,” Miring’u said.
She emphasised the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment that allows children to remain in school and thrive. “Children must be protected from harm and allowed to pursue education without the influence of alcohol and substance abuse. Education is a game changer that empowers them to uplift their lives, build independence, and contribute to sustainable development,” she noted.
She called on stakeholders to work closely with child protection officers and security agencies to safeguard children’s rights and ensure their wellbeing. “Protecting children is a collective responsibility. When we safeguard them today, we secure a better future for our society,” she said
By Florence Kinyua
