ILO News (Nairobi, Kenya) - The International Labour Organization (ILO) CAPSA Project continues to partner with the Mombasa County Government to address the critical issue of child labour. The recent stakeholders' consultation meeting, spanning three days between 26th - 28th February 2024, marked a significant step towards combating child labour, forced labour, and human trafficking in Mombasa.

Grace Banya, ILO CAPSA Project Manager, commended Mombasa's proactive stance against child labour, highlighting the county's initiative in passing a motion to combat this issue. Banya also unveiled plans for the development of a unique stand-alone child labour policy, showcasing Mombasa's commitment to eradicating child exploitation.

The consultation began with a comprehensive analysis of the forms and drivers of child labour in Mombasa. It was concluded that cultural and traditional practices, exacerbated by widespread poverty, were significant contributors to the prevalence of child labour. The economic strain, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, has further exacerbated the situation.
Statistics from the 2022 child labour report by ILO and UNICEF painted a stark picture, with approximately 160 million children globally falling victim to child labour. Sub-Saharan Africa, with 92.2 million child laborers, faces a significant challenge, predominantly affecting boys.

Gabriel Kitili, Mombasa County Coordinator for Children Services, underscored the severity of the issue, with an estimated 5,000 child labour cases reported annually in Mombasa. He highlighted two prevalent forms of child labour: begging and the sale of groundnuts ('njugu'). “We are working with the county government via a committee that is looking at how we can address the issue of street families in Mombasa County,” said Kitili.

Banya disclosed ongoing efforts to conduct a national child labour survey to gather more precise data pertinent to Kenya.

The meeting also addressed emerging threats, including online exploitation and child trafficking. Perpetrators are increasingly exploiting children in virtual spaces, while trafficking schemes often disguise exploitation as employment opportunities for young women.

Kenya has implemented various measures to combat child labour, including bilateral agreements with receiving countries, pre-departure training programs for workers, and registration upon arrival. These initiatives aim to safeguard vulnerable individuals from falling victim to exploitation and trafficking.

The consultation concluded with a call to action, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between stakeholders at all levels to effectively combat child labour. The commitment to concerted action underscores the collective effort to create a safer and more equitable environment for children in Mombasa and beyond.