Children rights activists in Kajiado County held a joint forum to discuss increasing threats facing children, with a special focus on girls. The meeting established that teenage pregnancies, early marriages and female genital mutilation (FGM) remain the biggest challenges for children in the region.
The activists urged parents and guardians to be more vigilant, especially during the approaching long school holiday when cases of abuse are likely to rise. They stressed that children must be protected from harmful practices that undermine their well-being and future.
Cosmas Karera, the Children Officer of Kajiado West, called on stakeholders including community and political leaders to work together in ending FGM. He noted that the practice is often hidden but those who facilitate it are known, making it necessary for authorities to track and stop them.
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Participants at the forum further emphasized the importance of engaging children through clubs and societies in schools, where they can freely discuss challenges they face and identify possible solutions. Such platforms were described as critical in equipping children with knowledge about their rights and giving them safe spaces for expression.
The forum concluded that despite laws and awareness campaigns, harmful traditions still expose children to exploitation. It called for stronger community involvement and consistent monitoring to safeguard children and ensure their rights are upheld across Kajiado County.
By Benedict Aoya
