Kenya rallies against child labour to commemorate the 2024 WDACL

Kericho County, Kenya - June 22, 2024 - In a strong display of commitment to eradicating child labour, Kenya commemorated the 2024 World Day Against Child Labour (WDACL) with a series of impactful events in Kericho County. This year’s theme, “Kenya is committed to end child labour - the time for action is now!” resonated across the nation, emphasizing the urgency of the fight against child labour. The national event took place on June 21, 2024, in Kericho County, and was the culmination of a week-long series of activities.

© ILO Kenya

© ILO Kenya

Key highlights of the commemoration’s week:

• On June 19, stakeholders from various sectors convened to discuss policy-related issues and share best practices. The forum emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to strengthen and enforce child labour laws.
• On June 20, children participated in various activities designed to raise awareness and prepare for the main event. These activities included educational sessions, advocacy caravan, interactive discussions, and creative performances.
• The main event on June 21 saw government officials, employers, workers and community leaders reaffirming their commitment to ending child labour.

The national event, organized by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection with significant support from the ACCEL Africa project, aimed to raise awareness and galvanize action towards eliminating child labour by 2025, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 8.7. The ACCEL Africa project, known for its innovative systems approach, focuses on strengthening existing frameworks to address the root causes of child labour within specific supply chains, such as tea and coffee in Kenya.

© ILO Kenya

© ILO Kenya

High-profile attendees, including the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Labour and Social Protection and the Kericho County Secretary and County Executive Member for Education, and National Children President led the proceedings. The CS Labour and Social Protection emphasized the importance of enforcing the Children Act 2022 and improving child protection policies at both national and county levels. The event featured speeches, presentations, presentation of a petition by children and discussions that highlighted the progress made and the ongoing challenges in combating child labour.

In addition to the main event in Kericho, ACCEL Africa extended its reach to Mombasa from June 10-12, where ACCEL Africa collaborated with local government officials to launch the county child labour policy. These build-up activities included high-level meetings and community engagement sessions aimed at fostering local commitment to the cause.

© ILO Kenya

© ILO Kenya

The commemoration's objectives were clear: to increase public awareness, strengthen policy implementation, and enhance stakeholder engagement. The events succeeded in informing the public about the critical issues surrounding child labour and the importance of ratifying ILO Convention No. 138 on the minimum age for employment. Moreover, they reinforced the need for continued collaboration among stakeholders to create a unified front against child labour.

The 2024 World Day Against Child Labour in Kenya was a significant step forward in the nation’s fight against child labour. By bringing together government officials, community leaders, and international partners, Kenya demonstrated its unwavering commitment to ending child labour. The theme, “Kenya is committed to end child labour - the time for action is now!” served as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for continued efforts to protect the nation’s children and secure their future.