We will safeguard the well-being of Kenyan children - CS Cheptumo

Speaking in Kitui West Gender, Culture and Children Services, Cabinet Secretary Hanna Cheptumo acknowledged that children constitute nearly half of Kenya’s population, underscoring the need to safeguard their well-being by promoting and protecting their rights. She noted that the future of any nation lies in its children.

Consequently, the first Children’s Assembly in the sub-county was unveiled to advocate for and better address issues affecting children, in line with the Children’s Act.

The CS, accompanied by the Principal Secretary for Children's Welfare, Carren Ageng’o, also oversaw the distribution of food supplies to 45 public day secondary schools in the Asal area, benefiting 5,522 learners.

She added that the Kenya Kwanza administration is aware of the ongoing drought crisis and has implemented intervention measures to support affected communities, including vulnerable children.

“The government has set aside Ksh 4 billion for drought response to support both affected communities and livestock across the country. I commended the county leadership for maintaining security and demonstrating effective coordination during this challenging period," she said.

PS Ageng’o, on her part, called for the establishment of more children’s assemblies, noting that they would enhance meaningful child participation by giving them a platform to convey their views.

The launch of the school meals plan was made possible by the Child Welfare Society of Kenya (CWSK), a national emergency response and rescue organization for children under the Ministry.

Through its Education Support Programme, thousands of learners in selected counties have benefited, which CWSK says plays a critical role in improving school attendance, retention, concentration, and overall academic performance.

In addition to receiving free lunches, the learners have also been provided with mentorship support aimed at enhancing their mental health and overall well-being.

Area MP Edith Nyenze hailed the initiative as timely and would cushion the learners from food insecurity.

“A hungry child cannot concentrate in class. By ensuring learners get meals throughout the week, we are supporting both their health and their education,” she said.

With only two weeks since the reopening of schools for the first term, 26, 436 secondary students in 137 public schools in four counties of Kisumu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Samburu and Kitui will benefit from the programme

So far, 1,128,735 children have been reached through the implementation of various programmes by Child Welfare, which is under the State Department of Children's Welfare Services.