The government has announced plans to establish child labour committees in all 47 counties to safeguard children’s rights and address the increasing problem of child labour and exploitation in Kenya.
Eleven committees have already been set up to tackle the alarming rise in child labour, a situation that has been exacerbated by the economic hardships faced by many families across the country.
Shadrack Mwadime, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Labour and Skills Development, reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to ending child labour.
“We are committed to eradicating child labour within our borders by working closely with key stakeholders,” he said, outlining the government’s plans to roll out these committees nationwide.
Mwadime also underscored the importance of keeping children in school, noting that “education is key to unlocking the potential of our children and preventing them from being lured into exploitative work.”
In partnership with security agencies, labour officials will intensify efforts to arrest those involved in child trafficking and labour, ensuring that those responsible face legal consequences.

PS Shadrack Mwadime.
Hellen Apiyo, the Labour Commissioner, emphasized that the government’s focus will be on strengthening systems, addressing data gaps, and enhancing institutional capacity to combat child labour effectively.
She also highlighted the need for stronger collaboration with the private sector and civil society organizations to create a more coordinated approach in the fight against child labour.