The First Lady, Mama Rachel Ruto, led the nation on the Day of African Child celebrations that were held at Mwatate Primary School in Taita Taveta County.
The theme for the 2024 celebrations, “Education for all children in Africa: The Time is Now,” is in line with the theme of the African Union for the year 2024, which aims to educate every African to be fit for the 21st century through the development of resilient education systems.
The First Lady commended the National Government for the significant steps taken to improve the quality of education in the nation and make it possible for all children in Kenya to have access to quality education.
Mama Rachel Ruto highlighted various strategic initiatives including; the recruitment of an extra 30,000 teachers; the school feeding program; Jitume Digital Hubs being developed in learning institutions, and the recent increase in budgetary allocation available for the Ministry of Education.
Andrew Mwandime, the Governor of Taita Taveta County, appreciated the emphasis on quality education in the celebrations because education is a key component in children’s development.
He further lauded the National School Feeding program which is increasing the rate of school enrollment and retention.
Florence Bore, Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, in a speech read on her behalf by Joseph Motari, the Principal Secretary for Social Protection, highlighted efforts by the ministry to review the National Children Policy, the Early Childhood Development Policy, and the policy of elimination of child labour.
Once approved, these policy guidelines will be a key milestone towards the strengthening of children’s rights in Kenya.
The First Lady urged every stakeholder to actively develop interventions to ensure that every child, regardless of their gender, socio-economic background, or geographical location, enjoys the right to a quality life.
Other leaders present for the celebrations included Peter Mbogho Shake, MP Mwatate Constituency; Lydia Haika, County Member of Parliament, Taita Taveta County; John Bwire, MP Taveta Constituency; Wisdom Kazungu Speaker, Taita Taveta County; Sophia Abdinoor, Chairperson National Council for Children Services; Gilbert Kamanga, Country Director, World Vision Kenya; and Josephine Onunga, Taita Taveta County Commissioner.
