Meru County Commissioner Jacob Ouma has raised concerns over the rising cases of child labour in the region and vowed to take drastic actions in a bid to end the practice and ensure all children are enrolled in school.
He singled out the miraa, tea and coffee growing zones as the hardest hit by the vice, warning that all the culprits involved will be arrested and prosecuted.
Ouma condemned the continued use of school-going children as labourers in various sectors, noting that authorities have repeatedly found children engaging in farm work instead of attending school.
Speaking at the County Commissioner’s office in Meru town, Ouma warned that those found responsible will face the full force of the law.
“I would like to warn against the use of children in picking miraa, tea, coffee and in other forms of labour. If you are found using children for these forms of labour, you will be arrested and prosecuted,” Ouma said.
He noted that child labour poses serious long-term risks to society by denying children access to education and essential skills required in the modern world.
Ouma said keeping children out of school could result in a generation that struggles to coexist peacefully and adapt to technological and social changes.
“When we have children in employment and not attending school, it means that after five or ten years, we will have people who cannot live and coexist with others peacefully. Today’s world needs education so that people understand technology, computers and other things. When you hide them to pick miraa, what will tomorrow be?” he quipped.
The administrator also reminded parents and residents of President William Ruto’s directive requiring all school-going children to be enrolled in school.
He said Meru County has made notable progress in implementing the directive, achieving an 89 percent enrolment rate among children who sat examinations last year.
On illicit brews and drug abuse, Ouma said all security agencies have been directed to intensify the fight against the menace in line with President Ruto’s orders.
READ ALSO: Chief warns Kisii parents abetting child labour of arrest, prosecution
He commended chiefs and other local administrators for their efforts in combating drug and substance abuse.
The County Commissioner issued a stern warning to officers who collude with brewers or accept bribes, saying disciplinary action would be taken against them.
He cautioned that officers found undermining the fight against illicit brews would not only face prosecution but also risk losing their jobs.
He appealed to residents to cooperate with security agencies by sharing information that could help eliminate banditry, child labour, illicit brews and drug abuse in Meru County.
By John Majau
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