Kihika Raises Alarm Over Child Labor In Mau Narok, Warns Farm Owners Of Legal Action

By Elijah Cherutich

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has raised concern over the high prevalence of child labour in Mau Narok, Njoro Subcounty, warning that employers who engage children on large farms risk facing legal consequences.

Kihika said child labour denies children an opportunity to pursue education, undermines their childhood and limits their chances of acquiring skills needed to improve their lives and contribute to their communities.

Speaking at Githoko-ini Grounds in Mau Narok during the launch of the second tranche of the 2025/26 financial year Nakuru County bursary, the governor called for an end to the employment of children on large farms, urging employers to respect their rights and prioritize their education.

“There is a big issue around child labour here where most of the children are employed in large farms. It is illegal and people should know that they may face legal consequences,” Kihika said.

She also expressed concern over school absenteeism in the area, urging parents and community members to ensure children attend classes rather than engage in activities that interfere with their education.

The governor further raised alarm over excessive consumption of illicit alcohol, saying the problem was affecting productivity and undermining the well-being of families and the wider community.

She called on security officers to intensify the crackdown on illicit brews in collaboration with local residents, emphasizing the need for a coordinated approach to address the problem.

Kihika also urged young people to enroll in vocational training centers, saying technical and vocational education could equip them with practical skills to pursue employment and become economically independent.

The governor launched the second tranche of the county bursary program, amounting to Sh162,933,052, which will benefit 28,678 students in universities, colleges, secondary schools, vocational training centers and special schools across Nakuru County.

The latest disbursement brings the total bursary allocation for the 2025/26 financial year to approximately Sh446 million, following an earlier distribution of Sh284,480,397 to 57,231 students.

Kihika said the county had increased its bursary allocation from Sh110 million at the beginning of her term, as part of efforts to ease the financial burden on parents and expand access to education.

“The moving testimonies of parents and bursary beneficiaries underscored education’s importance as society’s great equaliser,” she said.

She added that the county would tour every sub-county to launch the respective bursaries, reaffirming her administration’s commitment to ensuring that financial difficulties do not prevent children from accessing education.

The governor also highlighted investments in early childhood development and education (ECDE), including the provision of fortified porridge in all public ECDE centers, the employment of 498 ECDE teachers, the supply of learning materials and the construction of classrooms.

She said the county had expanded vocational training opportunities and introduced a Sh30,000 capitation allocation for learners in vocational training centers.

Kihika further announced plans to provide free uniforms to all learners in public ECDE centers beginning in January 2027.

The measures, she said, were intended to improve access to education and address barriers that prevent children from attending school, particularly those from financially disadvantaged households.

Beyond education, Kihika outlined development projects in Mau Narok covering water supply, health services, infrastructure, agriculture, trade and environmental conservation.

She encouraged residents and small-scale entrepreneurs to apply for affordable credit through the county’s Sh100 million Wezesha Fund to support businesses and strengthen household incomes.

“I encouraged residents to apply for low-interest loans through our Sh100 million Wezesha Fund,” Kihika said.

The fund is part of the county’s efforts to expand access to financing for residents seeking to grow their economic activities.

The governor said improving access to education, strengthening vocational training and supporting local enterprises were key to promoting sustainable development and improving livelihoods across Nakuru County.