Kericho East Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Kibe Maguta has called on communities to take the lead in nurturing morally upright and socially responsible children, stressing that faith, character, and peer encouragement are critical in raising a values-driven generation.
Speaking during the Day of the African Child commemoration at Kericho Rehabilitation Centre and Remand Home, Maguta said academic success alone is not enough, urging for a stronger spiritual foundation to instil values that endure beyond the classroom.
“When children help themselves or make the right choices, their friends should be the first to applaud and encourage them as a way of building unity and self-confidence in them. We are building a society not just of achievers, but of upright citizens,” he said.
Maguta stressed that moral character must accompany educational success, asserting that true progress lies in raising children who add value to society
During the vibrant celebration themed “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Since 2010”, learners took center stage, turning the occasion into a dynamic expression of youth empowerment and advocacy. Through spirited songs, captivating dances, and thought-provoking choral verses, they infused the event with color and energy while powerfully articulating their understanding of fundamental rights. Their performances echoed the aspirations of a generation determined to be heard, voicing their dreams, concerns, and a collective call for a society that prioritizes justice, inclusivity, and child-centered development.
Representing the Kericho County Commissioner at the event, Assistant County Commissioner (ACC) Preston Ochieng underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to creating a safer and more nurturing environment for children. He called on all parents, guardians, faith leaders, and institutions to actively play their part in securing the rights and dignity of every child.
“The responsibility of raising a well-rounded child cannot rest on the government alone. It is a shared duty that begins at home, is reinforced in schools, and sustained by the wider community,” said Ochieng.
He added that safeguarding children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation must be prioritized at every level, and emphasized the importance of platforms like the Day of the African Child in igniting collective action for lasting change.
Meanwhile, Kericho County Coordinator for Children’s Services, Grace Kipkech, outlined intensified government efforts to uplift vulnerable children through a raft of targeted interventions. These include the doubling of bursaries for needy boarding students from Sh 15,000 to Sh30,000 and a Sh2,000 monthly stipend to orphaned and vulnerable children.
Kipkech further revealed a deliberate shift in policy toward family-based care, advocating for foster and adoptive parenting over institutionalization. She further called on communities to ensure every child has a birth certificate and urged the public to report cases of abuse through the toll-free helpline 116.
“We must all rise to the occasion and become vocal defenders of our children’s rights. It is not enough to care in silence. We must actively speak out against abuse, neglect, and exploitation wherever it occurs. Protecting children demands more than good intentions; it requires bold action, unwavering commitment, and a shared sense of duty from every member of society,” she emphasized.
Also present was Kericho County Probation Officer Wycliffe Wathome who called for urgent reforms in the handling of child-related cases in the justice system emphasizing on the need for rehabilitative approaches that prioritize the child’s best interests.
Wathome stressed the importance of diverting minors away from the criminal justice system, supporting parents in managing children’s challenges, and instituting child-friendly court procedures. He urged stakeholders to collaborate in safeguarding children’s rights while promoting long-term well-being.
As the continent marks the International Day of the African Child, the memory of the brave Soweto children continues to echo through generations, reminding us that the fight for dignity, equity, and opportunity begins in the classroom and lives on in the voices of today’s youth. Their legacy challenges us all to not only remember, but to act, ensuring that every African child is seen, heard, and empowered to shape their future.
By Gilbert Mutai
