Learners in Kajiado County have elected new leaders to represent them in the Kenya Children’s Assembly (KCA) Kajiado chapter, in an exercise aimed at strengthening children’s participation in leadership and governance.
The election, facilitated by the State Department for Children Services and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), brought together 44 delegates drawn from all sub-counties in Kajiado.
The delegates elected leaders to key positions including governor, deputy governor, speaker, deputy speaker, sergeant-at-arms and clerk.
The Kenya Children’s Assembly is a platform that brings children together to participate in decision-making, nurture their talents, and raise issues affecting them in schools, religious settings, and their wider communities.
According to Kajiado Central Children’s Officer, Rhodah Wanjala, the assembly forums are held annually during school holidays, while leadership elections take place every two years.
During the forums, learners are sensitized on critical child-related issues such as child protection, child labour, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), and early marriages. Aspirants are also taken through leadership training to equip them with the skills needed to effectively serve in their respective positions.
In the latest elections, Patrick Saruni was elected governor, Miriam Anyango as speaker, Maryanne Achieng as sergeant-at-arms, and Faith Tekenet as clerk.
Following their election, the leaders are expected to represent Kajiado County at the national children’s assembly, where they will highlight key concerns affecting children in the region. Among the issues they are set to raise are FGM, early marriages, sand harvesting, and child labour.
IEBC Kajiado Central Deputy Returning Officer, Ismael Yasin, said the commission has a civic responsibility to instill democratic values among young learners.
“If we nurture democratic culture early, we are strengthening the future of our country’s democracy. Many of these learners will soon become eligible voters, so it is important to prepare them in advance,” he said.
Speaking after his election, Governor-elect Patrick Saruni thanked delegates for their support and pledged to champion the interests of children from Kajiado at the national level.
Membership to the Kenya Children’s Assembly is open to all Kenyan children below 18 years, although those seeking elective positions must be aged 16 years and below.
By Diana Meneto
