By Ebi Kesiena
Florence Bore, Kenyan’s Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, has reaffirmed the government’s dedication to expand initiatives aimed at putting an end to violence against children.
Bore noted this on Tuesday while speaking during the launch of the ‘Kenya’s Journey Towards Protecting Children – A Decade of Change (2010-2019)’ report presentation in Nairobi.
According to Bore, the ministry will actively seek additional resources from the government, equally foster public-private partnerships to amplify impactful interventions that effectively prevent violence against children in the country.
Represented by PS Social Protection Joseph Motari, who outlined the ministry’s plans to include scaling up child-inclusive social protection services, facilitating an accessible child-friendly justice system, involving children in the process, and enhancing mechanisms for online child protection.
Bore highlighted that the government’s commitment to raising awareness and advocating for child rights has initiated a cultural shift.
“Through campaigns like ‘Spot It, Stop It’ to end violence against children, we have raised awareness and championed child rights. Communities have ceased tolerating violence, and children are more confident in reporting abuse, reflecting the positive impact of collective advocacy.” she said.
Furthermore, the Cabinet Secretary underscored the success of effective inter-sectoral coordination and collaboration with other ministries, departments, agencies, development partners, the private sector, and the community.
Adding that the enactment of various laws and policies, including the Children Act 2022, is the most recent effort to consolidate gains made over the years in ending violence against children.
About the Children Act 2022
This legislative commitment aims to ensure that children in Kenya are adequately protected, their lifelong opportunities are advanced, and their dignity is preserved.
Violence against children encompasses various forms of abuse, including neglect, defilement, physical and emotional abuse, and harmful cultural practices. The repercussions are significant, leading to physical injuries, psychological trauma, and adverse health outcomes for children.
Over the years, Kenya has increasingly focused on identifying effective strategies to prevent and respond to violence against children.
