Kihika raises alarm over child labour and absenteeism in Mau Narok

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has raised concern over child labour and school absenteeism in Mau Narok, calling for stronger efforts to keep children in school and equip young people with skills for employment.

Kihika also cited excessive consumption of illicit alcohol as a concern and urged young people to enrol in vocational training centres (VTCs) to acquire practical skills and improve their employment prospects.

She spoke at Githoko-ini Grounds in Mau Narok during the launch of the second tranche of Nakuru County's bursary programme for the 2025/2026 financial year.

The county disbursed Sh62.93 million to support 28,678 learners in universities, colleges, secondary schools, VTCs and special schools. The latest allocation follows an earlier disbursement of Sh284.48 million that benefited 57,231 students. According to Kihika, the total bursary allocation for the financial year stands at approximately Sh446 million.

The governor said the county would visit all sub-counties to launch bursary programmes and reach beneficiaries.

Beyond financial assistance, Kihika outlined measures aimed at improving access to early childhood education, including the employment of 498 Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) teachers, provision of learning materials, construction of classrooms and distribution of fortified porridge in public ECDE centres.

She added that learners in VTCs receive Sh30,000 in county capitation to support their training. The county will also introduce free uniforms for all learners in public ECDE centres from January 2027, in a move aimed at easing the financial burden on parents.

The concerns raised in Mau Narok highlight the challenges facing efforts to improve school attendance, particularly where children are exposed to labour and other social pressures. While bursaries are expected to ease the cost of education for thousands of families, sustained attendance will also require measures to address the underlying causes of absenteeism and ensure that vulnerable children remain in school.

Kihika further highlighted county development initiatives in healthcare, water, infrastructure, agriculture, trade and environmental conservation. She encouraged residents to seek low-interest loans through the county's Sh100 million Wezesha Fund.