As the nation grapples with challenging economic circumstances, there is a steady rise in instances of child labor and trafficking in Kenya.

Gabriel Kitili, the National Government Coordinator for Children's Services, revealed that approximately 5,000 cases of child exploitation have been documented in Mombasa County. Meanwhile, statistics from the Kenya National Bureau indicate that over 1.3 million children in Kenya, constituting 8.5% of the child population, are involved in child labor, with more than 30% of cases occurring in arid and semi-arid regions.

According to Winnie Akinyi, Outreach Care Manager at the Human Trafficking Awareness organization HAART, children from impoverished backgrounds are particularly susceptible to exploitation and  trafficking

"Families that are  experiencing poverty, inequality and lack of access to basic services are especially vulnerable to trafficking and child labour."

Akinyi's remarks echo the prevalent belief that children contribute to improving the financial status of some families, as seen in Mombasa County, where children are exploited by street beggars and viewed as economic assets.

This trend has led to increased cases of childhood trauma and even suicidal tendencies, affecting children as young as five years old.

It's concerning that the very children society expects to become future leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals are being exploited and abused. It's crucial to protect them from all forms of exploitation to ensure their physical, mental, spiritual, and social development, as outlined in Article 15 of the Kenyan Constitution.

Children who are protected and healthy tend to contribute more positively to the society than those who are exploited.

As the world observes the World Day Against Child Labour in 2024, it's imperative for parents, guardians, and society as a whole to play an active role in safeguarding children, as their well-being is paramount for a prosperous future.