Tharaka Nithi Woman Representative, Susan Ngugi, has expressed her concerns regarding the Kenyan government's recent announcement to phase out privately owned children's homes and orphanages across the country.
The policy shift, revealed by the Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary, Florence Bore, in early October, is primarily aimed at addressing issues related to child trafficking.
In response to this policy change, Susan Ngugi has raised questions about the government's readiness to implement the proposed changes, emphasizing that Tharaka Nithi currently lacks any government-owned children's homes or orphanages.
Ngugi, who also serves as a member of the Parliamentary Committee on Social Protection, has urged the government to consider establishing charitable children's institutions in each constituency to provide care and support for vulnerable children in the event of the closure of privately owned centers.
Ngugi remarked, "If they phase out the centers, where will it leave the vulnerable children in the community who need care? Let the government ensure that Charitable Children Institutions are built within the county."
Furthermore, Ngugi highlighted prior plans to allocate land in Kathwana, the county headquarters, for the construction of a rescue and rehabilitation center funded by the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), with the intention of subsequently handing it over to the national government.
"I'm still awaiting Governor Muthomi Njuki to allocate and make land available at the county headquarters in Kathwana to enable the construction of a rehabilitation center that will include a rescue center and will be fully funded by NGAAF," she stated. "We will ensure the facility is well-equipped, and the governor promised to support the initiative by hiring qualified staff before we hand it over to the government."
Susan Ngugi made these remarks during an event in Kaanwa, Chuka Igambang'ombe Constituency, where she distributed NGAAF cheques to various self-help groups.
Wendani Self Help Group received KShs 108,000 to purchase dairy goats, while Katoma Youth Self Help Group received KShs 238,000 for table banking.
Other groups, include Vision Self Help Group from Kithangani(KShs 118,000), Kangu Young Stars(KShs 238,000), Mbogoni Goat Traders from Igamatundu(KShs 108,000), Afya Bora Self Help Group from Kajuki(KShs 108,000), and Gakoro from Kamutria(KShs 238,000), also received funding for their respective projects, demonstrating Ngugi's commitment to the welfare of her constituents.
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