Migori County Forms Advisory Committee to Uphold Children’s Rights

Migori, Kenya – In a collaborative effort to protect children’s rights, Migori County, in partnership with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), has established the Migori County Advisory Committee. According to the County Coordinator of Children Services, Sammy Korir, the committee will address critical issues affecting local children, including child labor, teenage pregnancy, and school dropout.

According to Kenya News Agency, During an event held at a hotel in Migori town, Korir acknowledged the collective efforts of government departments, the County Government, local NGOs, and faith-based organizations in safeguarding children’s interests in the region. However, he expressed concerns about the potential increase in teenage pregnancies and child labor during the December school holidays. The committee plans to work with relevant authorities to mitigate these risks.

Korir emphasized the importance of community awareness on child education and the implications of teenage pregnancies. The committee, under the leadership of the County Commissioner, intends to conduct sensitization programs at the ward level.

Julius Nyerere, the County Executive for Health Services, highlighted the ongoing problem of teenage pregnancies. He affirmed the county’s commitment to collaborating with the national government in advisory and preventive roles to guide children positively. Nyerere also mentioned the establishment of a station dedicated to addressing gender-based violence, supplementing the national government’s efforts.

Migori County has previously launched policies targeting sexual harassment, gender-based violence, early marriages, female genital mutilation (FGM), and teenage pregnancies in 2022. Nyerere urged residents to assist the police in reporting gender-based violence cases to ensure justice for the victims, predominantly women.

World Vision Official Lilian Anyango, through the “Kenya Big Dream” program, is working not only to protect children but also to uphold individual human rights. She praised the formation of the County Advisory Committee, seeing it as a significant step in combating FGM, child labor, teenage pregnancies, and early marriages.

Migori County Commissioner David Gitonga emphasized the national government’s inclusive approach to reach all stakeholders for efficient service delivery. He pointed out that operationalizing the Constitution regarding children’s rights, as outlined in Article 53 Chapter 4 of the Kenyan 2010 Constitution, is vital for child protection.

Gitonga outlined the committee’s primary role as bridging the national and county governments with other stakeholders to advise on children’s rights and raise public awareness. He acknowledged the county’s challenges, including child abuse, HIV/AIDS, early pregnancy, and harmful cultural practices like FGM, and underlined the necessity of promoting positive parenting and a safe environment for children.