As the country joined the rest of the continent in marking the Day of the African Child, scholars and child welfare advocates have sounded the alarm over the increasing impact of climate change on African children.
They cited rising cases of displacement due to floods and droughts, water and food insecurity, and increased health risks as consequences of the climate-related crisis.
Speaking to journalists at Mount Kenya University Main Campus in Thika, the stakeholders emphasized the need for African governments to come up with sustainable climate change mitigation measures including tree planting, water provision, and waste management among others.
“During periods of floods and drought, cases of school absenteeism are high. Children are subjected to cases of psychological trauma as well as other health risks, like starvation. African governments need to come up with climate change interventions to avoid the recurrence of such cases,” said the Principal Corporate Services at Mount Kenya University, Prof Peter Wanderi.
They at the same time noted that despite the progress made in protecting the rights of the African Child over the years, children continue to suffer devastating consequences including psychological trauma, displacement, recruitment into armed groups, disruption of education, and heightened risks of disease, malnutrition, and death due to various reasons.
This, they said was common, particularly in war-torn regions, and called for concerted efforts to build a more inclusive and supportive environment for children.
“There should be clear policies on how governments will support the education and healthcare of the African child to protect them and safeguard their future,” said Prof Wanderi.
His sentiments were echoed by Dr. Daniel Oloo, a university lecturer who emphasized the growing threats children face in the digital space, noting that while technology has opened doors for learning and communication, it has also exposed children to new forms of abuse.
He said that while laws and policies exist to protect children, enforcement remains a significant challenge and called for strengthened cooperation among governments, civil society, and academic institutions to provide safer spaces for children to grow and thrive.
Stella Chao, a university student and children’s rights advocate, decried the negative impact of conflicts across the continent on the socio-economic development of children.
She urged leaders and policymakers to invest in empowerment programs that educate children about their rights and equip them with life skills.
By Muoki Charles
