Turkana — The Department of Education in Turkana, in collaboration with UN Women, IRC Women Protection and Empowerment, and other stakeholders, is preparing to operationalize a Child Rescue Centre in Kakuma, scheduled to be launched in December 2023. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance child protection services in the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, Moses Etelej, Chief Officer for Education and Social Protection, discussed the project during a three-day workshop for child protection practitioners in Kakuma. According to Etelej, this initiative aligns with the Governor’s agenda on child protection and aims to equip social protection officers with necessary skills to better serve vulnerable children. The training also follows a recent meeting with the IRC, signifying a continued partnership in child protection efforts.
Etelej emphasized that every child deserves a life free from gender-based violence (GBV), which occurs across all economic and social spheres in the country. He noted that GBV against children manifests physically, sexually, psychologically, and economically, often denying victims access to services that could break the cycle of violence.
The Department of Social Protection is planning to allocate up to 50 staff members from the 200 interns recently recruited to work in the child protection unit. Etelej highlighted the need to distinguish between the needs of children and adults in protection services, citing the success of a similar approach at the Lodwar Police Station, where a child protection unit cares for children in conflict with the law.
Hebrew Ignatius Idoka, Deputy Director for Social Protection, stressed the need for harmonizing child protection practices among stakeholders. Idoka urged partners to focus on reintegrating children into society to foster their social development, as structured environments can inhibit socialization.
Rose Muthee, IRC Women Protection and Empowerment Programme Manager, reaffirmed their commitment, supported by UN Women, to adequately equip the rescue centre ahead of its launch. The workshop also saw participation from key figures like Jakait Elijah (Children Officer), Beatrice Kotola (Principal Probation Officer), Phineas Muthoni (IRC), and Karen Taiwa (IRC), as well as staff from the Social Protection department.
The establishment of the Child Rescue Centre in Kakuma marks a significant step towards strengthening child protection infrastructure and services in Turkana County, aiming to provide a safer and more nurturing environment for vulnerable children.