A Sh.11 million one-stop Child Protection Centre has been unveiled in Kwale County to help protect vulnerable children in the region.
Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Labour and Social Protection Simon Chelegui officially opened the centre in the presence of Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya, the Ministry’s Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Patrik Ole Ntutu, Plan International Country Director Kate Maina Vorley and County Commissioner Joseph Kanyiri.
The centre built by Plan International Kenya aims to protect children from violence, abuse and exploitation and promote justice for them. It comes at a time people have expressed concern over increase in sex tourism and child prostitution in the coastal county.
Hot spot for child abuse
The minister acknowledged that Kwale is a hot spot for child abuse especially on cases such as child marriages ad teenage pregnancies saying the setting up of the new one-stop centre will make it easier for the police and the courts to track and prosecute cases.
Chelegui said the modern centre at the precincts of the Diani police station will ensure survivors of child violence receive quick help while having an important role in preventing and stopping child abuse, and providing treatment and support for abused children.
“This special Centre will help safeguard our future generations and leadership, enhancing child rights and child protection. This facility will enable children who are suspected to be in conflict with the law to be held in custody while observing the Ministry of Health guidelines on Covid-19,” said CS Chelegui.
The CS noted that there are 23 such child-friendly facilities spread across the country and provide for children being held separately from suspected adult criminals or alleged offenders while in police custody. The facilities provide minors with a child friendly environment where they can articulate their problems and discuss issues affecting them within a private setting.
“All children’s cases that are brought to the police station should be handled at the new facility in a professional and effective manner to ensure that the children, including those with special needs, access justice their needs are met and their rights protected” he said.
