Kericho leaders warn parents against child labour

Parents in Kericho County have been urged to keep children out of labour and prioritize their education to secure a better future.

Speaking at Kericho Primary and Junior School during the commemoration of the 2026 World Day Against Child Labour, Deputy County Commissioner Monicah Muli said education remains a key tool in breaking the cycle of poverty and improving children’s prospects.

County Labour Officer Wilson Luvavo warned that child labour continues to be a challenge in the county, particularly in tea and coffee farming, street hawking and domestic work.

“The worst forms of child labour involve hazardous activities such as spraying chemicals on farms, exposing children to serious health and safety risks,” said Luvavo.

He emphasized that while children may assist with light household chores, such responsibilities should be age-appropriate and must not interfere with their education, rest or recreational activities.

“Children should be allowed to play, interact with their peers, study and learn,” he added.

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Kericho East Sub-County Children’s Officer Carol Ruto revealed that the county has recorded cases involving child hawkers, domestic workers and boda-boda assistants, with poverty and lack of basic needs cited as the main drivers.

Meanwhile, Cooperative Officer Dorrine Chepkemoi said the ACCEL Africa project, supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO), is helping curb child labour through farmer sensitization programmes, parental awareness campaigns and the promotion of sustainable farming practices.

According to the ILO, an estimated 138 million children worldwide remain engaged in child labour, with agriculture accounting for 61 per cent of all cases.

This year’s World Day Against Child Labour was marked under the theme: “Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults.”

By Kimutai Langat

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