Sensitization and Action: Nairobi’s Journey in Combatting Child Labour

The event, convened by the Directorate of Children’s Services of Nairobi, and supported by the ILO CAPSA Project, aimed not only to raise awareness but also to catalyse action towards eradicating child labour in the city. The meeting State ministries, departments and agencies, and Non-Governmental Organization (NGOs) - including Childline Kenya - and community leaders from Kamukunji supported this convening by mobilizing for advocacy and key messaging, panel discussions and organizing the workshop.

Contextualizing Child Labour in Nairobi

Child labour in Nairobi is pervasive, covering both informal and formal sectors. Such areas as Kiamaiko’s slaughter houses, the industrial areas, and residential areas of Kamukunji, Starehe and Kasarani, are major catchment areas for child labour. Children often engage in hazardous work, including, scavenging in dumpsites, working in slaughter-houses, even resorting to street begging. These conditions not only jeopardize their physical well-being but also deprive them of access to education and a nurturing childhood. Nairobi’s role as a transit hub for travellers and migrants exacerbates issues related to child trafficking, posing additional challenges in combating labour exploitation.

Government and Institutional Response

"The Government has made significant strides in combating child labour through legislative frameworks such as the Children Act 2022," emphasized Ms. Grace Banya, ILO Director, during the event in Kamkunji. She highlighted the importance of international conventions like Convention 138, which aims to abolish child labour by setting minimum age requirements and establishing national policies. "We call upon all member states, especially those yet to ratify Convention 138, to prioritize this commitment," she urged. The enactment of policies like Inua Jamii and the Gender Policy further underscores Nairobi’s comprehensive approach to protecting vulnerable populations and promoting inclusive development.

© ILO

© ILO

Community Engagement and Stakeholder Collaboration

"Nairobi’s efforts to combat child labour are strengthened by collaborative partnerships involving government agencies, NGOs, and local communities," noted the County Coordinator of Children Services. She emphasized the cross-sectoral nature of child labour issues and highlighted initiatives aimed at sensitizing the public and enforcing child protection laws. "Our collaboration with ILO CAPSA and civil society organizations like Undugu Society has been instrumental in driving these efforts forward," she affirmed, reflecting on the pivotal role of community-driven interventions in addressing local challenges effectively.

Challenges and Innovations

Despite these efforts, Nairobi continues to face challenges in combating child labour, particularly in informal sectors and peri-urban areas. The influx of migrants from Uganda’s Karamoja Region into Kenya - particularly Nairobi’s Eastleigh suburb - has spawned child trafficking for purposes of exploitative labour. Many of the immigrant women and girls are deployed as domestic workers under exploitative circumstances, sometimes occasioning death, serious injuries, economic exploitation, extortion by law enforcement agents and traffickers, and psychological abuse. "The informal nature of child labour poses challenges for enforcement and monitoring," explained the Deputy Labour Commissioner, Mr. Bonaya Kasse. He stressed the importance of community engagement and multi-sectoral collaboration in tackling these complex issues. Innovations such as the International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour and Forced Labour (IPEC) program and technological solutions for reporting child labour cases represent critical steps towards sustainable solutions and systemic change.

© ILO

© ILO

Towards Sustainable Change: The Role of Education and Advocacy

"Education is paramount in breaking the cycle of child labour," affirmed a Mrs. Nancy Waswa, the County Coordinator of Children’s Services. She highlighted initiatives that include vocational training and educational subsidies aimed at empowering vulnerable children and providing alternative pathways to exploitation. Advocacy efforts, bolstered by community mobilization and public awareness campaigns, play a pivotal role in fostering a protective environment for children across Nairobi.

As Nairobi commemorates the World Day Against Child Labour, stakeholders from the county reaffirm their commitments to protecting children from exploitation and ensuring that their rights are upheld. Through collaborative efforts, innovative solutions, and sustained advocacy, Nairobi strives to create an environment where every child can thrive, free from the scourge of child labour. Stakeholders and communities alike unite in the pursuit of a child-labour-free Nairobi, setting a precedent for inclusive development and social justice across Kenya.

"The Kamukunji Declaration to End Child Labour in All its Forms embodies our collective resolve," concluded the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC). She expressed gratitude for the partnership with ILO CAPSA and reiterated the importance of continued collaboration to achieve tangible outcomes by 2025. As Nairobi charts its course towards a brighter future for its children, the city remains steadfast in its pursuit of equitable opportunities and sustainable development for all.