BUSIA COUNTY LAUNCHES GROUND BREAKING CHILDREN POLICY ON THE DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILD
On Monday, June 16th, Busia County marked the Day of the African Child in a unique style by officially launching the Busia County Children Policy through the Department of Youths, Sports, Tourism, Culture, Social Protection, Gender Affairs, and Creative Arts.
This comprehensive framework will guide the county's response to children's unique needs while aligning with national priorities, particularly strengthening protection services against abuse, neglect, and early marriages, and improving educational access in rural and marginalized areas.
The Day of the African Child honors the brave students of Soweto who courageously stood up for their right to education in 1976, symbolizing the ongoing struggle for justice, dignity, and opportunity for all African children. This year's theme, "Planning and Budgeting for Children's Rights: Progress since 2010," emphasized the critical need for adequate resource allocation to ensure children's needs are reflected in budgets, programs, and real experiences.
Officiating the launch on behalf of Governor, Douglas Okiring', CECM for County Treasury and Economic Planning highlighted that the policy prioritizes child-centered risk mitigation, ensuring children's rights to water, shelter, health, and education remain protected even during disasters. This aligns with the county's vision of creating an environment where children are born, nurtured, and grow safely, supported by coordinated frameworks that promote accountability among all stakeholders.
CECM Paul Olung'a expressed gratitude to development partners for their shared responsibility in this landmark achievement, noting it as the department's first comprehensive children protection policy, following their successful formulation of the Sexual and Gender Based Violence Policy.
The launch was attended by County Chief Officers; Pascilisa Barasa and Esau Ochakala, County Assembly Members Hon. Shadrack Masinde and Mercy Wanyonyi, County Commissioner Mwachaunga Chaunga, Chief Magistrate Edna Mwaloti and partners among other distinguished guests.