Kitutu Central Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Linda Jaleta has cautioned parents against involving their children in child labour.
Speaking during the World Day Against Child Labour celebrations at Daraja Mbili Secondary School in Kisii town, Jaleta noted that some of the parents were engaging children in work to raise money for essential needs, including sanitary towels for girls.
“Parents who involve their children in hard labour to raise money for their basic needs will be punished by the law,” she cautioned.
The DCC also urged the local National Government Administrative Officers to lead the fight against child labour by ensuring that children go to school as required and are protected from any form of labour and abuse.
Students from various schools in the sub-county who attended the event highlighted various forms of abuse that children face and urged parents and law enforcement officers to protect them.
“Children who endure abuse at home often end up struggling with their daily activities, especially their studies,” Miriam Bosibori, a grade 9 student from Daraja Mbili Comprehensive School, stated.
Bosibori called upon the parents, teachers and other relevant stakeholders to protect their rights and basic needs.
Other stakeholders present during the event included Oasis Specialist Hospital, the Department of Labour in Kisii and GuardMart Supermarket, all of whom donated sanitary towels to the school-going girls.
The World Day Against Child Labour is marked on June 12 every year, with this year’s theme being “Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults.”
By Sandra Orina and Whitney Moraa
