Save the Children Kenya has called on climate policies that focus on children's improvement especially when affected by unfavourable climatic conditions.
In a briefing on Friday, the organisation highlighted the dire situation in the Horn of Africa, where torrential rains and human-induced climate change have wreaked havoc, displacing over 370,000 people and claiming the lives of at least 300 individuals across Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia.
Global Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Inger Ashing stressed on the importance of children being considered in policies implanted to help them cope with the aftermath of climatic conditions like floods and drought.
We are working with governments to ensure funding for these initiatives," Ashing said.
Ashing, having recently visited the affected regions in Somalia and Kenya, shared harrowing accounts of families and children grappling with the aftermath of the devastating floods
"The scale of this disaster is staggering, and the impact on children is particularly heart-wrenching," Ashing said.
"Over half a million children have been affected, with many losing their homes, access to education, and basic healthcare."
Joining Ashing was Humanitarian Manager, Save the Children Kenya & Madagascar Moses Emalu, who provided specific insights into the situation on the ground.
"In Kenya, the floods have not only displaced thousands but have also left many schools were closed," Emalu said.
He provided a report that was carried out by the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and Ministry of Education stating that almost 103 schools remained closed at the time the schools were being open and 371 classes were damaged by floods.
"Climate-related challenges worsen the problem we are already experiencing in Kenya," he added.
Speaking at the event Regional Director, Yvonne Arunga further added that the country has been attacked continuously by extreme weather patterns and different climate shocks, with the Horn of Africa being the home to 92 million children, they stand to be hit hardest and suffer extremely
"Children do not cause and yet they are the most vulnerable and that is why it is an important matter to look at," Arunga remarked.
The conference served to underscore the urgent need for increased funding and support for climate policies that prioritise children's rights.
Governments need to put in policies to address the crisis they also need to develop a child lens to be able to see the right perspective and address the problem in the right way.
Ashing also added that with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) boost happening this year we will be able to inject more funds into the course.
"A climate crisis is a child rights crisis, "Ashing stressed.
she stressed the importance of global cooperation and immediate action to mitigate the effects of climate change on children.
The organisation also issued a call to action, urging the international community to increase funding for climate adaptation and resilience-building initiatives.
The organisation has been part of various programmes of children empowerment and they are currently working on ways they can create a clear pathway for communication directly between the child and the government.
So far the organisation has disbursed school kits, books and other stationery for learners.