HOMA BAY: The County Government of Homa Bay, in collaboration with Child Fund Kenya and Katag, unveiled the Homa Bay County Child Welfare and Protection Policy aimed at safeguarding child rights and addressing significant developmental challenges for children in the area.
According to Kenya News Agency, the policy was announced by the County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Gender, Sarah Malit, during a ceremony at Omiro Health Centre in Kabondo Kasipul Constituency to coincide with the International Day of the Girl Child. Malit highlighted the prevalence of teen pregnancies, HIV, and sexual and gender-based violence as critical issues the policy seeks to tackle. She also pointed out the rampant cases of defilement in the region, which severely infringe upon the sexual rights of many girls.
The Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) of 2022 indicates that the county has a teen pregnancy prevalence of 23.2 percent, significantly higher than the national average of 14.8 percent. These teen pregnancies
often result in girls dropping out of school, facing premature marriages, and enduring increased domestic responsibilities.
The event was attended by key figures, including the Director of Gender Evelyn Ododa and the Director for Inclusivity Lucy Odwar. Malit expressed optimism about the policy’s comprehensive strategies to combat what she referred to as the “triple threat.” She noted a reduction in teen pregnancy rates from 33 percent before 2022 to 23.2 percent, attributing this progress to proactive measures that will be bolstered by the new policy.
The policy not only focuses on the pressing issue of teen pregnancies but also addresses other forms of rights violations against boys and girls. It aims to close gaps in child protection funding and enhance responses to online violations of child rights.
Community leaders at the launch expressed their commitment to advocating for and protecting children’s rights within the county, signaling a community-wide effort to support the implementation of the new po
licy.