PS Bitok raises concern over child labour, cultural practices affecting education in Kakamega

The Basic Education Principal Secretary Prof. Julius Bitok has raised concern over cultural practices and child labour in Kakamega County, noting that these issues are hindering student progression and affecting educating standards within the county.

Speaking on Tuesday March 3 during the Elimu Mashinani forum, CS noted that while more than 56,000 learners completed Grade 9 in the county, a substantial number have not joined senior schools due to ongoing cultural and labour-related challenges.

“Nationally, the state of education in Kenya is strong, progressive, and firmly focused on meeting the national development goals of the country. Sadly, in this county, there are issues affecting education. Young people here are preoccupied with activities that prevent them from transitioning to the next level. A prevalent issue is child labour in mining. There are quite a number of young people in Kakamega working in gold mines,” he said.

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He added that the government, in collaboration with the Minister of Interior, is taking measures to remove children from such labour and penalise those responsible, ensuring every child can attend school.

Bitok highlighted that while the national transition rate stands at 98 per cent, Kakamega lags at 95 per cent.

“Some of the factors contributing to Kakamega being 3 per cent lower than the national average include cultural practices, bullfighting and child labour. We were expecting a 100 per cent transition, which we are working towards. About 3,000 children in this county are still engaged in activities that make it difficult to progress. On the positive side, transitions from grade six to seven stand at 99 per cent in the county,” he said.

By Juma Ndigo