A lobby group has launched a
campaign against rising school dropouts, child labour and teenage pregnancies in artisanal gold mining communities in Ikolomani constituency, Kakamega county.
The initiative, dubbed "Save the Girl Child of Isulu-Ikolomani," aims to address social challenges threatening the welfare and future of children in the area.
It is being spearheaded by Agents of Peace Organisation (APO).
APO chief executive David Khaemba
said community engagements conducted by the organisation identified school
dropouts, child involvement in artisanal mining, teenage pregnancies, poverty,
limited access to education and reduced parental ability to support children's
schooling as key concerns.
"Girls are particularly
vulnerable. Many face barriers that interrupt their education and limit their
life opportunities, while boys are increasingly drawn away from school by the
promise of quick income from mining activities. These challenges risk
perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality across generations if left
unchecked," Khaemba said.
The campaign will mobilise communities, government agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector and well-wishers to restore hope for vulnerable children.
The interventions will focus on improving school retention, supporting girls' education, strengthening child protection systems, mentoring young people, raising parental and community awareness and expanding economic opportunities to reduce the pressures that push children out of school.
"The future of Isulu-Ikolomani
should not be defined solely by the mineral wealth beneath its soil, but by the
education, dignity and opportunities afforded to its children. A community that
invests in its girls invests in healthier families, stronger institutions and a
more prosperous future for all," Khaemba said.
"When we educate a child, we
empower a family. When we protect their rights, we transform a community and
when we invest in her future, we build a stronger nation," he added.
Khaemba called on the national
government, the Kakamega county government, development partners, corporate
organisations, educational institutions, faith-based organisations, community
leaders and well-wishers to support the initiative.
Artisanal gold mining in Ikolomani
dates back to the early 1930s during the Kakamega gold rush.
Shanta Gold Kenya has announced the
discovery of gold deposits estimated at Sh680 billion in Isulu and Bushangala
and is preparing to begin large-scale mining in the area.
