This archive report was first published on 14 June 2020.
June 14, 2020 - Nairobi, Kenya
Tomorrow marks the Day of the African Child, a day to celebrate the progress made in protecting the rights of children in Africa. However, for children in Kenya, this year's celebration comes at a time when their rights are under threat due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Unicef, children in Kenya now face a new rights crisis, with the pandemic bringing dramatic changes to their lives. School closures and restrictions on movement have affected millions of children, making it difficult for them to access education and healthcare.
In Nairobi's informal settlement of Korogocho, where 200,000 people live, children like Ali, one of 11 siblings, are struggling to cope with the changes. Ali's mother, who vends homemade perfume to make ends meet, has been unable to provide for her children's needs.
Despite the challenges, Ali has been fortunate to be part of the local football academy, Acakoro, which is supported by Unicef. However, even this opportunity has been disrupted by the pandemic, leaving Ali and many other children without access to education and support.
As the pandemic continues to spread, children in Kenya are at risk of abuse and neglect, with many households living in fear of the virus, loss of livelihoods, and an uncertain future. Adolescent girls are especially vulnerable to sexual and gender-based violence, with an increase in reported child marriage cases.
The pandemic also poses a significant risk of increase in illness and deaths from other preventable and treatable diseases as health services become overwhelmed at the expense of routine healthcare.
Ms. Maniza Zaman, Unicef Representative in Kenya, emphasizes the need to protect children and support their parents during this crisis. 'We cannot let this health crisis turn into a child rights crisis,' she says.
As Kenya celebrates the Day of the African Child, it is essential to recognize the challenges faced by children in the country and work towards protecting their rights and ensuring their well-being.
