Kitale child protection board urges faster adoption of county child protection policy

The Catholic Diocese of Kitale Child Protection Board has urged the Trans Nzoia County Government to expedite the adoption and implementation of the County Child Protection Policy, saying the move is necessary to enhance the protection and welfare of children across the county.

The appeal was made during a meeting between the Board and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, where members presented concerns and gaps identified in child protection and sought the county government’s intervention.

Led by Board Chairperson Eva Nyamogo, the delegation included Diocese Child Protection Officer Rose Obonyo, National Government Child Protection Officer for Trans Nzoia County Oscar Nalimae, and Board members John Bororio, Sarah Nabalayo, Charles Ojelo and Edward Khaoya.

During the meeting, the Board shared findings from a task force that examined the state of child protection in Trans Nzoia and West Pokot counties. Among the key issues raised was the delay in adopting the County Child Protection Policy, which the Board said has remained at the public participation stage.

According to the Board, the policy would provide a framework for coordinating child protection interventions and support the allocation of county resources to programmes aimed at improving children’s welfare.

The Board also highlighted concerns over the condition and capacity of the Child Protection Unit at Kitale Police Station, calling for the construction of a new facility or renovation of the existing one to better serve children in need of protection and support.

Members noted that the facility handles a wide range of cases, including children seeking assistance, street-connected children, children fleeing harmful cultural practices such as female genital mutilation, and those in conflict with the law.

The Board further observed that the unit serves a large number of children due to its proximity to the courts and its location, which enables it to receive cases from neighbouring counties. Concerns were also raised over inadequate facilities, limited resources and insufficient fuel for child protection interventions.

In response, Governor Natembeya pledged to work with the Catholic Church and the National Government to address the identified challenges. He committed to supporting the fast-tracking of the County Child Protection Policy and said it should be tailored to address the specific child protection issues affecting communities in Trans Nzoia.

The governor also proposed the inclusion of a County Government representative in the Child Protection Board to strengthen coordination between county structures and child protection initiatives.

The Board welcomed the governor’s commitment, saying stronger collaboration among stakeholders would improve efforts to address the needs of vulnerable children in the county.