Kwanza Member of Parliament Ferdinand Wanyonyi has expressed deep concern over the increasing cases of child labour, linking the trend to a sharp rise in school absenteeism among students.
This follows a report by Keese Secondary School Principal Henry Bunyasi, who revealed that over 200 students from Form Two to Form Four have failed to report for Term Two.
According to Wanyonyi, many students are now working as casual labourers on maize farms, which is negatively impacting academic performance, particularly at the high school level.
“I have received worrying reports from school heads who complain that some students skip classes to work alongside their parents,” said the MP during a bursary cheque issuance event at Keese Secondary School.
He urged government investigative agencies to crack down on parents who allow or encourage their children to engage in child labour.
Wanyonyi also raised concerns about a growing culture of gambling among students, warning that it could lead to increased criminal activity.
In addition, he called on residents to report any incidents involving the sale of National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NGCDF) bursary application forms, emphasizing that the process should be free of corruption.
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“If you have any evidence of the sale of bursary application forms, make a report to the police to enable investigations. This process is supposed to be free of corruption,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kwanza Deputy County Commissioner Stephen Kavulu has directed local chiefs to compile a list of all students who have not returned to school.
“I am directing all chiefs to follow up on the matter to ensure all students who have not turned up for school are followed up and a list compiled,” said Kavulu.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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