An MP wants the government to come up with a childcare programme for children whose mothers are under lawful custody.
He wants it to cater for children who are aged four years and above.
In a Notice of Motion, Konoin MP Brighton Yegon said the State Department of Social Protection needs also take care of children whose mothers have been arrested or convicted, even if they are above the age ceiling.
“Children above the age of four years still require parental support,” the MP explained.
Section 22 of the Persons Deprived of Liberty Act and the Childcare Policy provide for the care of a child whose mother is deprived of liberty until the child attains the age of four years.
Yegon said all children should be accorded a means of maintaining their relationship with incarcerated parents.
“Majority of the children often suffer from emotional distress, social stigma and economic hardships,” he said.
The MP pointed out that such children have restricted economic resources for their support which in turn negatively impacts their lives.
Policy on Care of Children of Incarcerated Mothers provides a framework for creating a conducive environment for the realisation of the best interests of children aged four years and below.
In Kenya, children in this category are permitted to accompany their mothers to prison.
The policy draws from existing constitutional, legislative and policy frameworks which include the Constitution of Kenya Article 53 (2), Prisons Act (Cap 90) Section 30(4), the Children’s Act 2010 Part II (4,5,6,7,8,9,12 and 13) and Sentencing guidelines (Part III-20: 36-38).
