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Kirinyaga County, Friday, 6th September 2024 —
In a concerted effort to tackle child labor in the coffee and tea industries, Kirinyaga County Assembly Speaker Muteti Murimi recently led a delegation to engage in high-level discussions with key stakeholders. Accompanied by the Chairperson of the Agriculture Committee, Hon. James Wambu, and the Clerk of the County Assembly of Kirinyaga, Mr. Kamau Aidi, Speaker Murimi met with Mr. Duncan Chando, the National Project Officer for ACCEL Africa at the International Labour Organization (ILO).
The meeting, held in Kirinyaga County, focused on developing targeted strategies to eradicate child labor within the county’s coffee and tea supply chains. This collaboration aims to create a safer, more equitable environment for children and to empower farmers by addressing the root causes of child labor.
“Our conversation with Mr. Chando centered on formulating comprehensive policies and legal frameworks that not only protect children but also empower our farmers by addressing the underlying factors that contribute to child labor,” said Speaker Murimi.
Key areas of discussion included:
- Occupational Health and Safety: Ensuring that work environments within the coffee and tea industries are safe and conducive for adult laborers, thereby eliminating the need for child labor.
- Social Protection: Strengthening social protection systems to support vulnerable families, reducing their reliance on child labor as a means of survival.
- Alternative Sustainable Livelihoods: Providing farmers with access to alternative and sustainable income sources, thereby reducing the economic pressure that often leads to child labor.
- Youth Unemployment: Addressing the issue of youth unemployment by creating job opportunities for young people, thus preventing them from falling into exploitative labor practices.
- Knowledge Exchange: Facilitating the exchange of knowledge and best practices among farmers, communities, and stakeholders to promote sustainable farming practices that do not rely on child labor.
The initiative is seen as a significant step toward safeguarding the welfare of children in Kirinyaga County while also empowering the agricultural community. By tackling the root causes of child labor, the county aims to ensure that children can focus on their education and personal development, free from the burdens of labor.
“This is not just about eliminating child labor; it’s about creating a future where our children are protected, our farmers are empowered, and our youth have access to meaningful employment opportunities,” added Speaker Murimi.
Mr. Duncan Chando of the ILO praised the initiative, noting that the collaboration between the Kirinyaga County Assembly and international organizations like the ILO is crucial in the fight against child labor. He emphasized the importance of a multi-faceted approach that includes policy development, social protection, and economic empowerment.
As the discussions progress, it is expected that the policies and frameworks developed will serve as a model for other counties in Kenya, furthering the national and global agenda of eradicating child labor in all its forms.
The Kirinyaga County Assembly remains committed to ensuring that the rights and welfare of children are upheld, while also supporting the economic growth and sustainability of the county’s agricultural sector.
