Kericho: Parents, community leaders, and stakeholders in children’s welfare have been called upon to strengthen family ties and collaborate to ensure children in Kericho are nurtured in a safe, loving, and supportive environment. Kericho Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Monica Muli, emphasized the importance of such an environment in fostering responsible members of society, cautioning that neglect and family breakdown could lead to severe social challenges for children.
According to Kenya News Agency, Muli spoke at a multisectoral stakeholder’s forum on children services held at the ACK Conference Hall in Kericho, urging parents, religious leaders, teachers, caregivers, government officers, and the community to take collective responsibility for children’s welfare. She stressed the importance of the family as the primary setting for a child’s emotional and social development, highlighting the significance of consistent care and affection.
Muli warned parents against frequently changing caregivers, as it could negatively impact children’s behavior and emotional stability. She encouraged working parents to remain actively involved in their children’s lives by spending quality time with them, even amidst demanding work and household responsibilities.
The Deputy County Commissioner further advocated for children to stay within their family environments whenever possible, noting the adverse effects of prolonged separation on their self-esteem, education, and overall development. She referenced a recent incident where children were left vulnerable after their mother was arrested, underlining the risks posed by the collapse of family structures.
Muli urged parents undergoing separations or family disputes to prioritize their children’s well-being, and called on fathers to continue supporting their children regardless of relationship breakdowns. She also appealed to young parents not to abandon or neglect their children, emphasizing that every child deserves a chance to grow in a stable environment.
Community involvement was highlighted as crucial in identifying at-risk children and ensuring vulnerable families receive necessary support before issues worsen. Muli called upon government officers, religious leaders, teachers, caregivers, and neighbors to promote responsible parenting and intervene in cases of neglect or abuse.
The multisectoral approach discussed at the forum aims to coordinate efforts among various actors to identify and support vulnerable children effectively. Muli urged stakeholders to translate the forum’s discussions into practical actions to strengthen families and create nurturing communities for children.
The forum was attended by the County Director of Children Services, Grace Kipkech, along with heads of departments, religious leaders, and children’s rights activists.
