Wetang’ula urges UNICEF to include boy child in advocacy programs

 

National Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Dr. Moses Wetang’ula

National Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Dr. Moses Wetang’ula, has called on UNICEF to prioritize the boy child in their advocacy initiatives, emphasizing that boys have become an “endangered species” as most child rights efforts have predominantly focused on girls.

Wetang’ula expressed concern that the boy child in Kenya is “suffering in silence,” with little attention being given to their challenges. “All efforts have been put into uplifting the girl child. UNICEF should intervene because they have the capacity,” he remarked during a meeting with UNICEF Kenya Representative Dr. Shaheen Nilofer at Parliament Buildings on Thursday.

He highlighted the imbalance created by the disproportionate focus on girls, noting that while commendable progress has been made in empowering the girl child, boys are increasingly being neglected. “UNICEF has done well in uplifting the girl child. They have moved the girl from the kitchen to the table. However, the boy child has been forgotten, and this imbalance could lead to a divided society,” Wetang’ula said.

The Speaker emphasized the urgent need for policies that equally protect the boy child, ensuring fairness and equality in society. He illustrated this by recounting a personal observation from his Catholic church, where girls actively participate in worship through liturgical dances while boys remain passive spectators.

Wetang’ula pledged the National Assembly’s support for UNICEF’s initiatives, particularly those aimed at alleviating poverty and promoting equality. “The National Assembly is ready to collaborate with UNICEF. The organization is a vital partner in promoting government efforts,” he affirmed.

Deputy Speaker Hon. Gladys Boss and Migori County MP Hon. Fatuma Zainab were also present during the meeting.

Dr. Nilofer acknowledged the critical role of the National Assembly in supporting UNICEF’s agenda, noting that collaboration with the legislative body would bolster their efforts to advance children’s rights across the country. She stressed that, despite notable achievements in protecting children’s rights, challenges remain, with approximately 2.5 million children still out of school due to various factors.

UNICEF, she added, remains committed to working in sectors such as agriculture, education, and social protection, which are vital for the well-being of children and communities.

By Beth Nyaga