Kericho County is grappling with an alarming rise in teenage pregnancies, with 5,752 cases reported last year, a crisis that stakeholders now warn is fueling a disturbing increase in child labor.
More than 2,000 cases were recorded in Bureti Sub-County alone, prompting urgent calls for multi-sectoral intervention.
County Director of Gender, Beatrice Chebet, speaking during an event at St. Kizito School for the Deaf in Litein, said the link between teenage pregnancies and child exploitation is undeniable and deeply troubling.
“Teenage pregnancy is not solely a health or education issue; it is also a significant driver of child labour. When a young girl becomes pregnant, she is often forced by circumstance into premature employment,” said Chebet. “To effectively combat this, we must address the root causes.”
Ian Kiprono, the Bureti Sub-County Children’s Officer, emphasized the public’s role in identifying and reporting exploitation.
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“Poverty often pushes children into the workforce. We must remain vigilant and proactive. Education must remain the priority,” Kiprono said.
Probation Officer Wycliffe Wathome on his part called for legal accountability.
“Child labour is a legal offence and a moral failure. Offenders must face the law, but real change requires collective action,” he said.
On the economic front, County MSME Coordinator Michelle Aburili cited financial insecurity as a key factor.
“When income is low, families are forced to make impossible choices. That’s why we’re promoting economic empowerment through credit access and support for small businesses,” she noted.
Adding to this, TVET Director Irene Ngeno pointed to poverty and youth unemployment as drivers of both teen pregnancy and child labour.
“We are addressing this through free technical training, agricultural input support, and overseas job placements. These are real, practical alternatives that change lives,” said Ngeno.
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The day ended with a symbolic tree planting ceremony, representing growth, renewal, and a united commitment to end child exploitation.
As the final seedling was placed into the soil, the message from leaders was clear: child labour is not only a failure of policy—it is a betrayal of potential. Kenya’s future, they declared, lies not in plantation fields, but in classrooms, nurtured through opportunity and protected by justice.
The event drew participation from government officials, civil society actors, and community leaders in a united front against child exploitation. Students added vibrancy to the occasion with choral verses and traditional dances, underscoring the message of protecting children’s potential.
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County Director of Labour, Wilson Luvavo, stressed the importance of enforcing child protection laws, citing the Employment Act of 2007 (Sections 52–65) and ILO Convention 138, which sets the minimum employment age.
“Children are a blessing from God and deserve our love, protection, and investment,” said Luvavo. “We don’t walk this path alone. Our allies include Ministries of Education, Health, and Agriculture; the National Police Service; Children’s Services; faith-based organizations; NGOs; and the Judiciary. Together, we build a wall of defense around our children.”
The Secretary of the Plantation Workers Union, Dickson Sang, also raised concerns about persistent cases of child labour in the plantation sector.
“A child’s job is to write, read, and dream—not toil under the sun. The law permits only two hours of non-hazardous work per day for minors. We will not allow education to be traded for income,” said Sang.
By KIMUTAI LANGAT
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