Dr. Alfred Mutua, Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, at the celebration of World Vision Kenya’s 50th anniversary on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
By Peace Muthoka.
At World Vision Kenya’s 50th anniversary celebrations, both the government and the organisation reaffirmed their commitment to creating a safer and more prosperous future for children across the country. Dr Alfred Mutua, Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, used the occasion to announce new initiatives and partnerships focused on child protection, underscoring the government’s commitment to ending violence against children and promoting inclusive opportunities.
Dr Mutua, who was the chief guest at the event, expressed his gratitude for World Vision’s tireless efforts over the past five decades. The organisation’s programmes have reached millions of Kenyans, providing support for education, clean water, food security and protection for vulnerable children. Recognising World Vision’s achievements, Dr Mutua unveiled plans to continue working with the organisation to end harmful practices such as child trafficking and female genital mutilation (FGM). He stressed: “Using the excuse of culture to justify harming our girls is unacceptable. We must move forward as a society that protects the future of every child”.
The collaboration between the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and World Vision aims to expand access to education and improve support systems for caregivers. In addition, the partnership will strengthen Kenya’s child protection legal framework, ensure safer communities, and empower children to participate in decisions that affect their lives. Dr Mutua believes these measures will empower children and reduce the cycle of exploitation in society.
As part of his address, Dr Mutua highlighted a new programme his ministry is developing to address the growing problem of street families in urban areas. The initiative will seek sustainable solutions to reintegrate street children into supportive communities. He said.The initiative will seek sustainable solutions to reintegrate street children into supportive communities. Underscoring the urgency of the effort, he said: “We must ensure that every Kenyan child grows up in a safe, nurturing environment, with opportunities to thrive, not just survive.
World Vision’s journey, as recalled by its National Director, Gilbert Kamanga, began in 1974 in Machakos County as a small relief organisation responding to a drought. In its early years, World Vision distributed food, water and health care to thousands of people in need. Since then, the organisation has expanded its reach into drought-prone areas such as Turkana and Baringo, launching water and agricultural training programmes that have become lifelines for local communities.
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The 1990s marked a major milestone for World Vision with the introduction of Area Development Programmes (ADPs), a holistic approach that integrates health, education and economic initiatives to sustainably empower communities. By aligning with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, World Vision has made a lasting impact in areas such as education, child protection and sanitation, benefiting countless families.
Today, World Vision’s water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives have provided more than two million people with access to clean water, reduced waterborne diseases, and increased school attendance by 35%. Its focus on sustainable livelihoods has supported more than 500,000 smallholder farmers, helping them achieve food security and economic stability. “Our success is measured not just in dollars invested, but in dreams unlocked, potential realised and communities transformed,” said Kamanga.
Stories of resilience shared at the event illustrated the transformative impact of World Vision’s work. Kamanga spoke of a young girl in Baringo who escaped female genital mutilation to pursue her education, and a farmer in Turkana who, thanks to agricultural training, now produces enough food to feed his family and the community.These stories illustrate the profound and lasting difference that World Vision has made in countless lives.
As Kenya continues its journey towards a future free from child exploitation, partnerships like the one between the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and World Vision will play an essential role in creating a safe, healthy and empowering environment for every child. The celebration of World Vision’s 50th anniversary in Kenya is a testament to the power of collaboration in building resilient communities and supporting the dreams of Kenya’s future generations.
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