Govt renews fight against child labour, urges parents to keep children in school
By Viola Kosome, July 17, 2026The government has renewed its commitment to eliminating child labour, with officials calling on parents, communities and other stakeholders to protect children’s rights by ensuring they remain in school instead of engaging in work.
Speaking during the commemoration of the World Day Against Child Labour held at Lake Primary School in Kisumu on July 17, 2026, Director of Administration in the State Department for Labour and Skills Development Mike Kimoko said every child deserves the opportunity to learn, play and grow in a safe environment free from exploitation.
Kimoko said although Kenya has made progress in protecting children’s rights, many children continue to suffer various forms of exploitation that deny them education and a proper childhood.
“We are here to raise awareness about children’s rights. Children should not be subjected to labour but should be given the opportunity to go to school, play and enjoy their childhood. Every child deserves protection and a chance to achieve their full potential,” he said.
He urged communities to report cases of child abuse and child labour, noting that the government is working to strengthen monitoring systems to identify sectors where children continue to be exploited.
Harmful cultural practices
Kimoko also observed that harmful cultural practices and poverty continue to contribute to child labour, calling for collective efforts to end the vice.
Deputy Labour Commissioner at the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, Millicent Muli, said this year’s global theme, “Red Card to Child Labour”, serves as a reminder that every child belongs in school and not in the workplace.
She said the government is reviewing the National Action Plan on Child Labour and the Child Labour Policy to strengthen interventions aimed at protecting children.
“We have the necessary legal framework, and we are reviewing our policies. Soon we will conduct public participation across all counties because it is a legal requirement before finalising these documents,” Muli said.
She noted that labour officers conduct regular inspections across all 47 counties to ensure children are not employed in industries or other sectors.
However, Muli admitted that identifying victims remains difficult because many cases occur in private homes and are rarely reported.
“Child labour is often hidden, especially in households. Unless someone reports these cases, it becomes difficult for labour officers to identify and rescue the affected children,” she said.
She appealed to parents to allow children to enjoy their childhood by attending school, playing and only participating in age-appropriate household chores.
“Children belong in school. Let them be children. It is the responsibility of every adult to protect the next generation,” she added.
Kisumu County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Education and Social Services John Awiti said child labour remains a major obstacle to education and future economic opportunities for many children.
Awiti said poverty should never be used as justification for engaging children in income-generating activities such as fishing, domestic work or farm labour.
“When a child is involved in child labour, it is their education that suffers most. Once a child loses the opportunity to receive quality education, the effects can last a lifetime,” he said.
He urged relatives and guardians who take in children to ensure they enrol them in school instead of using them as domestic workers.
Awiti said the Kisumu County Government continues to invest heavily in education through bursaries and scholarships to reduce school dropout rates among vulnerable learners.
He revealed that more than 20,000 learners receive county bursaries annually for secondary and tertiary education, while over 1,000 students benefit from scholarships for secondary education each year.
During the 2025/2026 financial year, he said, the county allocated Ksh229 million towards bursaries and scholarship programmes while also partnering with financial institutions and other organisations to expand educational opportunities for needy learners.
Awiti called for stronger collaboration between the national and county governments, civil society, development partners, parents and communities to eliminate child labour and guarantee every child the right to education.
The annual World Day Against Child Labour is observed globally to raise awareness of child labour and mobilise governments, employers, workers, communities and development partners to accelerate efforts towards its eradication.
This year’s event, held under the theme “Red Card to Child Labour”, emphasised the need for collective action to ensure every child enjoys a safe childhood, quality education and equal opportunities for a brighter future.