Gold Miners in Kambi Karaya gold mine. Photo; Courtesy
Kapenguria Deputy County Commissioner, Emilly Ogolla, has praised President William Ruto’s decision to appoint a permanent Secretary to oversee children’s affairs in the country, saying the move will significantly strengthen the protection of children’s rights.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ workshop that brought together officers from the Children department in West Pokot County, Ogolla said the decision demonstrates the government’s commitment to prioritising the welfare and rights of children. She noted that having a PS specifically responsible for children’s issues will ensure better coordination, accountability and effective policy implementation.
Ogolla said the move will also enhance efforts to address long-standing challenges affecting children, including early pregnancies, female genital mutilation (FGM) and early marriages, which remain prevalent in some parts of the county. According to her, elevating children’s matters to the Cabinet level will give these issues the attention and resources they deserve.
The Deputy County Commissioner assured the Children department full support from her office, pledging close collaboration between security agencies and child protection officers in West Pokot. She said the partnership will focus on ensuring that all school-age children are enrolled in school and that those found loitering in the streets are traced and returned to learning institutions.
Ogolla further raised concern over the involvement of children in mining activities in the Turkwel area, terming the practice dangerous and unacceptable. She warned that child participation in mining exposes them to abuse and exploitation, and has contributed to a rise in early marriages, particularly among girls.
She called on parents, community leaders and all stakeholders to work closely with government agencies to safeguard children’s rights and protect them from harmful practices. Ogolla emphasised that addressing these challenges requires a collective approach to secure a safe and dignified future for children in West Pokot County.
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