Kakamega County government with the support of the Ministry of Social Services, Sports, Youth, Gender, Culture and Library Services has developed a policy aimed at implementing welfare programmes of juveniles in the County.
Moreover, the 2019 National Population and Housing Census stipulates that 42.81 per cent of Kakamega County’s population comprises of children aged between 5-19 years.
Among the challenges facing this population is poverty, the street children menace, and teenage pregnancies.
As such, Kakamega county government came up with a policy that is expected to address societal challenges facing children in the county.
In addition, Kakamega County CEC for Social Services Mophat Mandela on Monday, February 20, led his officers and MCAs from the Delegated Legislative Committee through the Policy.
Once operationalized, the policy will address all issues facing children.
Also Read: No Condoms for Kenyan Teenagers – CS Nakhumicha
Likewise, Mandela thanked the MCAs for prioritizing the exercise, adding that implementation of the document was long overdue.
He further stated that it will be disseminated to relevant stakeholders before the policy is published and officially launched by the governor.
“It champions for Protection of the minors against abuse, involving them in various matters notably through the Children Assembly, making sure the children Survive, grow and ensure their Development,” said Mandela.
Nonetheless, the Kakamega County’s Social Development agenda emphasizes on the need to treat women, people with disabilities and children with respect and dignity, while also making them positive agents of development.