Day: June 23, 2023

The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has launched the operational guidelines for child protection in emergencies that is aimed at addressing the specific needs of children during emergencies.

The Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore said that the children in Kenya constitute more than half of the population, making them the most vulnerable during emergencies if their rights are not being fully realized in such situations.

In a speech read on her behalf by Secretary Children Services Shem Nyakutu, CS Bore emphasized the importance of enacting legislation and policies that safeguard children’s rights, with reference to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Africa Charter on the Rights of the Child (ACRWC).

‘This is basically to provide a framework for coordinated and effective responses to protect children’s rights and well-being,’ said the CS.

‘I share with you the excitement of enacting the Children Act of 2022, a milestone legislation for our children. It includes Section 12 (2) (f), which recognizes the care of children in emergencies under social security. My ministry is committed to ensuring the full implementation of the Act and providing the necessary support and guidance,’ Bore emphasized.

She said that the Natural disasters, 2007 post-election violence, collapse of storey buildings, child trafficking have negatively impacted children’s mental health while insisting that they are in dire need of psycho-social support.

‘As we were recovering from the pandemic, Kenya was hit by one of the worst droughts in forty years. More than 16 million children across the country are living with the dual impacts of poverty and the climate emergency, according to research conducted by Save the Children in 2022,’ she said.

She further added that drought deprives children of their rights and future development, as parents engage in activities away from home in search of grazing, water, and food, the loss of livelihoods and incomes during this period lead to school dropouts, child marriages, child trafficking, and other negative effects.

Bore highlighted that the operational guidelines provide a framework for coordination at the national and county levels, collaboration with other structures, and the inclusion of children in humanitarian actions.

‘They are the first domesticated reference material on child protection in emergencies, filling a crucial gap that existed before their development,’ Bore remarked.

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Child Protection Specialist Faith Manyala said that Kenya is increasingly experiencing protracted humanitarian crises which has been compounded by complex factors such as population growth, urbanization, environmental degradation and climate change, large-scale migration, forced displacements, public health emergencies and localized conflict.

‘In any humanitarian crisis, the protective environment is undermined and this puts children and women at heightened protection risks. For example, the recent devastating drought in Kenya exposed already vulnerable children to further risk of harm as the protective environment deteriorated as communities and families lost livelihoods, migrated and adopted negative coping mechanisms in order to survive,’ Ms Manyala said.

She added that the most recent and available data that is the 2017-2018 budget, indicates only 0.12% of the overall annual budget of Kenya has been allocated to child protection related government agencies (Directorate of Children Services, National Council for Children Services and Child Welfare Society of Kenya) adding that advocacy at higher level for larger allocation as well as capacity building for public financial management of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection are required.

‘Government has to plan better, develop, and support the social service workforce for child protection. Children’s officers under the Directorate of Children Services are limited to 950 and unevenly deployed where for instance there are only three officers in the entire Turkana County. Child Protection Volunteers who are less than 500 in number need to be institutionalized further including sustainable financing,’ Manyala said.

Child protection in emergency working group representative (CPiEWG), Gabriel Wachira pledged full support in implementing the guidelines in all humanitarian efforts with the best interest of the children particularly those in emergencies.

‘We are all aware that emergencies catch us unprepared and many times our responses are not that adequate, however, we are confident that this ministry will be involved in coming up with comprehensive plans and strategically position us to prepare for, respond to and facilitate recovery from any form of emergency that befall a nation more so our children,’ Wachira noted.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Uasin Gishu County Government through the Department of Lands, Housing, Physical Planning and Urban Development is working with the Kenya Informal settlements Improvement Project (KISIP) in a bid to address land issues that have been long overdue in three settlements.

The Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim, speaking at the County Headquarters grounds during the issuance of the title deeds to 505 beneficiaries said the land is an emotive subject as it rolls deep meaning and significance for individuals, for families and communities.

He said it is a symbol of security, identity and pride and today marks an important moment for the beneficiaries as they receive the recognition and the guarantee they deserve through the power of a title deed.

‘By granting the title deeds to the residents of Hill School village, Kuinet and Maili Nne, we are providing them with a document that not only satisfies the ownership of the land they live on, but also empowering them to make better use of their properties,’ said the county Boss.

Bii expressed deepest appreciation for the tremendous impact the KISIP program has had on the residents of Uasin Gishu county.

‘The first phase of this program has significantly improved the living standards of our residents in informal settlements through the road construction projects, finding a total of 22.6 Kilometers,’ said Bii.

‘We have enhanced the connectivity and accessibility in settlements such as Huruma, Munyaka, Kamukunji, Kimumu, Hawaii and hill school village, Kambi Nairobi. This move has opened up new opportunities for our economic growth,’ he noted.

He said that recognizing the importance of security in informal settlements, the KISIP program has seen an installation of 17 floodlights across various locations, and this lights not only illuminate the path ways, but also bring a sense of safety and security to the residents, ensuring that they can go about their daily activities without fear.

‘Furthermore, the program has undertaken a significant effort to address the challenges of water shortage and poor sanitation conditions that have left informal settlement for years therefore we have constructed eight ablution blocks to improve sanitation facilities and promote health and hygiene among the residents,’ said Bii.

He revealed that there has been remarkable cohesiveness and cooperation among the people of these settlements throughout the implementation of the projects.

‘As we look at KISIP 2 we have identified Mwanzo, Kipkaren and Maili Nne as areas where infrastructure works are urgently needed, I would like to request the state department of housing and urban development to allocate additional funds for infrastructure development in our settlements by investing in these communities as we are able to foster greater prosperity and create more sustainable future for all,’ he noted.

Bii further noted that owning a title deed encourages a long-term investment and stability, with the crucial documents beneficiaries can continuously make investments in their priorities knowing that their ownership rights are protected.

He added that this assurance not only attracts investors but also encourages the residents themselves to engage more on agricultural activities as they can now fully grasp the rewards of their hard work.

‘Having a clear land ownership reduces the risk of land disputes, fostering a harmonious and cohesive community where everyone can focus on building a prosperous future,’ added Bii.

‘Let this document be a guarantor of your rights and a foundation for a better future as you enjoy your constitutional rights under article 40, where every person has a right to acquire and own property for any description anywhere in Kenya,’ he said.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kericho born athlete world record holder in 10-mile road race and gold medalist Bernard Kibet is ready to take on another challenge at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

The World Athletics Championships games will be held in August 19 and end on August 27, 2023.

In an interview with the gold medalist at Kericho Green stadium during a training session of seasoned and upcoming Kericho athletes, Kibet expressed optimism that he will improve his speed and clinch gold for Kenya.

‘Am now preparing for World Championships in Budapest and I think am in good shape and I pray to God to give me enough energy and strength so that I achieve my goal of getting gold. I run long distance from 5,000m to marathon. Am now training for 10,000m Budapest and I want to achieve 26.55 as my personal best time. The best thing is to qualify for the trails,’ said Kibet.

He advised upcoming athletes to train with dedication in their running careers and avoid distractions for them to emerge the best in their disciplines.

The athlete trains under Coach Gabriel Kiptanui who doubles up as Athletics Kenya (AK) First Vice Chairman Kericho branch.

Speaking to KNA, coach Gabriel Kiptanui said Kibet is dedicated and disciplined in his trainings both in Kericho and Japan and has posted excellent personal best times and was hopeful that he will do well and bring home gold.

‘Kibet has great potential and is talented in his track disciplines. We are training to ensure that he is in good shape,’ said Kipanui.

The 23-year-old broke the seventeen years record set by Haile Gebreselassie at the 39th edition of the Kumamoto Kosa 10-mile road race held last year on December 4 in Japan clinching gold with a new course record time of 44:04.

The seasoned athlete also won gold in the World Athletics Gold Label 10 km road race at Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon held on February 11, 2023 in Iraq with a personal best time of 58: 49.

Kiptanui trains more than 25 athletes. He said the region has great potential for producing great runners with many having brought home medals after competing in world athletic championships.

Runners in Kiptanui’s stable include female long distance runner and 2015 steeplechase world champion Stella Chelangat, 2019 800m silver medalist 2019 World U20 in Tampere, Finland Kipngetich Ngeno, 2013 World U18 1500m steeplechase gold medalist Robert Biwott, and the reigning world 3,000 steeplechase champion Beatrice Chepkoech.

Source: Kenya News Agency