More than 10 cases of child trafficking have been reported since last year
By Seliphar Musungu, Kakamega
Cases of child trafficking in Kakamega County is on the rise, this is according to the Children’s Department.
Kakamega County Director of Children Services Geoffrey Musoko has said that at least 10 cases of child trafficking in the county was reported in the last one year.
“More than 10 cases of child trafficking have been reported to our office for the last one year. There has been low reporting of such cases since many find it difficult to report,” said Musoko
Kakamega County Director of Children Services Geoffrey Musoko Musoko who spoke during the World Day Against Trafficking of Persons 2022 said that number of cases being reported is low because many prefer not reporting such cases for fear of intimidation, saying others lack proper channels to make such reports.
“Let us respect children and leave them to grow up responsibly. Children should know the phone numbers and the names of their parents and guardians in order to inform authorities in case they get lost,”
Musoko said that children are the foundation of any country and are expected to be leaders in the future and participate in development hence they should be nurtured. “Let us not misuse our children on things that do not empower them,”
Musoko also released a booklet which contains guidelines that should be used in protecting children from trafficking. This applies to all stakeholders including care givers, parents, teachers and the public.
The Programme Coordinator for the International Committee for the Development of People(CISP) Kenya, Esther Waduu He asked urged parents to keep their children at home and monitor their movement.
“Let us respect children and leave them to grow up responsibly. Children should know the phone numbers and the names of their parents and guardians in order to inform authorities in case they get lost,” he noted.
He also advised teachers and school heads to be aware of strangers who come in the name of collecting children from school on behalf of their parents. “It is also the responsibility of teachers to ensure the environment where children learn from is child friendly and protective,”
The Programme Coordinator for the International Committee for the Development of People(CISP) Kenya, Esther Waduu said that cases of child trafficking have become so rampant which include simple acts like taking children from one place to another and subjecting them to child labor.
She added that child marriage, prostitution are other forms of child trafficking witnessed in Kakamega.
She urged the community to join hands and report such cases to government agencies for rescue efforts or by dialing a free toll number 116 for immediate response.
Waduu said they continuously engage community through community dialogues, involve theatre groups and engage in radio talk shows to encourage community members to be active in exposing child trafficking and child abuse cases.
Mumias Central and Mumias North Ward Administrator Fredrick Shibuyanga said it is the responsibility of every Kenyan and parents to support the government in protecting children.
One of the parents, Janice Anyanga, asked other parents to engage their children and warn them of the dangers they might find themselves in during political rallies.
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