Kajiado North Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Yusuf Mohammed has called upon residents to safeguard children’s rights and prioritize their education.
The DCC was speaking at a community meeting in Ngong Market after the community raised concerns over child labour around Ngong market.
The concerned community members, most of whom are small business operators, reported that children under the age of 18 are being hired to perform various tasks within the market, raising alarm among local authorities and child welfare advocates.
“Children belong in school, not in the marketplace. Their future depends on the education and protection we provide today,” Yusuf said.
He urged business owners to act responsibly and warned of legal consequences for those engaging in child labour.
“Let this serve as a warning that any individual found hiring minors will face the consequences of the law. We will not tolerate the exploitation of children in Ngong Market,” he reiterated.
The Sub-County Administrator Samuel Muchiri voiced strong disappointment toward business owners who continue to employ minors within Ngong Market.
He condemned the practice as a betrayal of the community’s responsibility to protect its children.
“It is deeply saddening that those who should be safeguarding the welfare of our children are instead exploiting their innocence for labour,” Muchiri said.
He emphasised the county’s commitment to addressing the issue through coordinated action.
“We will be engaging with market management to establish clear measures that identify and hold accountable those who violate children’s rights. Our goal is to ensure that no child works when they should be in school or even during the holidays,” he added.
Nyambura Kigera, a representative from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), highlighted the broader social risks associated with child labour.
She warned that allowing minors to earn money through informal work can expose them to substance abuse.
“When children are given access to money through such jobs, many end up using it to purchase drugs or engage in harmful behaviours. This not only endangers their health but also derails their future,” Kigera said.
Following the meeting, several business owners acknowledged the concerns raised and pledged to comply with directives from authorities. They agreed to refrain from hiring minors and to support efforts that keep children in school.
In Kenya, the fight against child labour is an integral part of the national agenda. The government, in collaboration with various stakeholders and international partners, has implemented robust measures to combat this pervasive issue.
These efforts are guided by both national legislation and international frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions.
According to the ILO, an estimated 160 million children are still engaged in child labour globally, with 79 million of them toiling in hazardous conditions.
By Lizzi Auma and Wangari Ndirangu
