By Mary Mwendwa
Nairobi, Kenya: Strategies for Northern Development (SND) and Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdH NL) recently joined forces to launch a comprehensive three-year project to eliminate detrimental traditional practices that significantly affect children in Northern Kenya.
The project has received funding from the BMZ (German Government) through Terre des Hommes Germany.
The project, titled “Child Protection through Capacity Building, Transformation of Social Norms, and Strengthening of Protection Mechanisms,” will primarily concentrate its efforts on eradicating harmful practices in Moyale Sub County, Marsabit County, to bring about significant positive transformations in the lives of children in the region.
“Children are the future, shaping our tomorrow. The way we care for and guide them today holds immense significance. They confront diverse challenges, with climate change being the foremost issue; other threats are mere reflections.” Ali Ebrahim Dida, SND Executive Director.
In Northern Kenya, Marsabit County grapples with numerous child rights violations that lead to enduring psychological and physical harm, limited livelihoods and development prospects, restricted educational access, and systemic gender inequality.
Child trafficking and unsafe migration are major child protection concerns with various underlying factors, such as cultural beliefs, inadequate resources in marginalized regions, lack of awareness, weak enforcement of laws, and insufficient data. The absence of comprehensive data hampers the formulation of effective solutions.
To address these pressing issues, SND, Terre des Hommes Netherlands, and key stakeholders have joined hands to launch a project in Moyale, Marsabit County. The project’s focal points are building the capacity of child protection institutions and structures, transforming social norms, and strengthening protection mechanisms in Moyale Sub-county. The ultimate aim is to enhance child protection, address exploitation, and promote the overall well-being of children.
“We strive to leave a lasting imprint on child protection in Marsabit County. Through collaboration, we forge a secure and radiant path for children, upholding their rights and nurturing their growth.” Joan Kosgey, Programme Manager, SND.
The program aims to Influence the elimination of harmful traditional practices and encourage the adoption of positive norms to prevent child trafficking and unsafe migration of children in Marsabit County by 2025.
Also strengthen the capacities of existing child protection institutions and facilitate the creation of new ones to effectively prevent and respond to the exploitation of children in Marsabit County by September 2025. Enhance evidence-based programming, knowledge management, and advocacy in addressing child exploitation in Kenya by September 2025. Facilitate coordination, collaboration, networking, and partnerships to provide adequate services to vulnerable children or victims of child abuse in Marsabit County by September 2025.
The project aims to reach approximately 20,000 community members through awareness campaigns, including 10,000 children and young people. It also plans to equip around 200 representatives from Government agencies, 90 representatives from Executive Agencies (police and judiciary), about 50 representatives from the private sector, and various Civil Society Organizations with the necessary tools to effectively identify, prevent, and respond to child protection issues.
Additionally, the project will research child trafficking and unsafe migration to inform evidence-based programming and policy while empowering Civil Society Organizations to combat child exploitation through lobbying and advocacy. Furthermore, the project will support advocacy efforts at the County and National levels to develop, review, and implement legislation against child exploitation.
“Through our collaborative efforts with various stakeholders, we aim to end the alarming prevalence of child exploitation, particularly child trafficking, that robs children of their rights and hinders their development. Through this project, we are determined to create a brighter future for all the children in Marsabit and Kenya whose voices count.” Magdalene Wanza, Country Director, Terre des Hommes Netherlands.
