Children in Kiambu mark the International Day of the African Child

Kiambu, Saturday June 17, 2023

KNA by Elizabeth Wanja /Purity Yego

Kiambu children yesterday joined the rest of the world in marking this Year’s International Day of the African Child whose global theme is “The Rights of the Child in the Digital Environment.”

Marked in Ngegu, Napasta Children Centre in Kiambu County, the celebrations started in the town where children marched from County government offices and walked across the town towards the Kiambu Directorate of Children’s Office.

The children later joined Napasta Children Home in Ngegu Sub-location where various government officials, partners, children officers talked about the rights of the child in the digital environment,

Speaking during the event, Kiambu County Deputy Commissioner Titus Macharia said they will ensure that children are protected from any harm and that all their rights are respected.

“Children have a right to nationality and free basic Education and in this era we are encouraging children to create content through the Digital Space and look for channels that are educational and can advance their skills and talents.

The digital environment, the DCC said provides unique opportunities for children to realize the right to access to information and freedom of expression

Macharia however also cautioned them against the challenges that comes with Digital Space such as cyber Bullying, gambling and even addiction.

County children’s Coordinator Rose Mbarine said that the day’s commemoration is made to make reflections on what has been done for the children and the children’s future plans. 

“There are needs that should be taken care of for the children. We have over 100 CCI’s in Kiambu. The CCI’s works for the children living in the children's homes.”

The Director called upon the children and encouraged them not to trust everything they see in the digital space and even physically.

“You should always tell a trusted adult if anyone makes you feel uncomfortable, asks to meet with you or even share personal informational images,” she said.

The Social Services County Coordinator Grace Mbugua stated that they will be launching a feeding programme targeting 42,000 students in ECD in all the public schools.

 ”We will be giving out porridge and eggs. The initiative will commence in the 3rd term .We also give bursaries to children from vulnerable backgrounds and children with disability,” she said.

 In this calendar year, Mbugua said that they have already given Shs 100 million for bursaries and will be giving an additional Sh 100 million in the next month while in third term they will also be giving another Sh. 100 million making it Sh. 300 million for bursaries from the County Government of Kiambu.

The Social Services Coordinator explained that they are also giving sanitary wear in all the public Institutions to the girls and also the vulnerable groups.

"In the next 2 weeks we will be distributing 31,000 packs. We have already identified the vulnerable groups whereby we are working with the partners and the national government officials at the ground level," said Mbugua.

She elaborated that they are supporting the children's protection and that the County government have set policies and are in the process of formulating a child protection policy that will see their needs met.

Through the Directorate of social services the Coordinator stated that they cater for children living with disability and have set aside a sufficient budgetary allocation where they give assistance like wheelchair, assistive devices, walking sticks, braille equipment to children with Special needs confirming though that it is done through organized groups.

Natasha Shekinah the Kenya Children’s Assembly Governor Kiambu who is representative of the children stated that, digital environment can greatly enable and enhance children’s access to high-quality inclusive education, including reliable resources.

All children must have equitable and efficient access to the digital world in ways that are personally important to them in order to fully exercise their right against discrimination, she said.

She explained that rapid digital progress comes with challenges like Cyber Bullying, toxic influence and personal data which can be used for illicit purposes.

“The Government policies should be in a way that will see children protected. The right to non-discrimination requires that all children have equal and effective access to the digital environment in ways that are meaningful for them and that they are able to overcome digital exclusion,” Shekinah said.

Shekinah stated that the Digital Divide has 2.2 billion children and young people under 25 years around the world who do not have access to Internet.

"Respect to our views as children, our voices need to be heard in matters that affects us. Digital technologies can help us participate in the national and international levels," she reiterated.

She urged the government to continue protecting the children saying that it was their right to have a life protected from risks.

The International Day of the African Child has been observed on June 16 every year since 1991, it was first initiated by the OAU Organization of African Unity.

Courtesy ; K. N. A