Kisii: The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has called for concerted efforts among various stakeholders to eliminate all forms of child labour in Kisii County. The organization is currently implementing the Accelerating Action for the Elimination of Child Labour in Africa (ACCEL Africa) project in the county with the aim of addressing the root causes of child labour.

According to Kenya News Agency, ACCEL Africa National Project Officer Duncan Chando emphasized the importance of collaboration during a county stakeholders’ forum at a hotel in Kisii town. The project is tackling the leading causes of child labour by addressing issues such as occupational safety, social protection, youth unemployment, and alternative livelihoods. Chando highlighted the progress made so far but stressed the need for continued joint efforts to further combat child labour.

Kisii South Deputy County Commissioner Grace Ouma underscored the vital role of the National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) as the initial contact points for child labour issues at the grassroots level. Representing the County Commissioner, Ms. Ouma encouraged partners to incorporate livelihood projects aimed at boosting household income to eradicate child labour in all its forms. She also called for collective action involving the police and Kisii county government, emphasizing the enforcement aspects of tackling child labour.

Labour Officer Merceline Etyang revealed that children in Kisii are engaged in various forms of child labour, including hawking in markets, mining of soapstone and gold, sugarcane farming, and tea and coffee picking. The ACCEL Africa project aims to accelerate the eradication of child labour by focusing on targeted, system-strengthening interventions within key supply chains such as tea and coffee. The project employs a holistic ‘systems approach’ to reinforce existing frameworks to address the root causes of child labour, moving beyond traditional, project-based approaches.