Busia County, in partnership with the Action Against Child Labour Project, has launched a Code of Conduct for the Private Sector aimed at preventing and eliminating child labour in business operations and supply chains.
The initiative marks a significant milestone in the county’s efforts to protect children’s rights and promote ethical labour practices.
Private Sector Accountability in Ending Child Labour
Speaking at the launch event, Programme Manager Dennis Ratemo emphasized the need for private sector actors to align their operations with national and county laws that prohibit child labour.
He urged businesses to ensure that their supply chains are free from exploitative practices.
“If your supplier is using children to produce goods that they bring to you, then as a private sector entity, you need to detect that in the value chain and take steps to stop it,” Ratemo stated.
The new Code of Conduct is designed to foster awareness and accountability among business owners and corporate entities.
It educates them on the dangers of child labour while holding them responsible for adhering to ethical labour standards.
Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration to Address Root Causes
A key feature of the document is its emphasis on multi-stakeholder collaboration.
It encourages partnerships between private sector actors, government agencies, civil society organizations, and local communities to collectively tackle the root causes of child labour.
By working together, these stakeholders can develop sustainable solutions that support education, family livelihoods, and community empowerment as viable alternatives to child exploitation.
Additionally, the document outlines actionable strategies and resources to help businesses adopt child-friendly policies that ensure fair and safe working conditions.
Alarming Child Labour Statistics in Busia County
Ratemo revealed troubling statistics, noting that 59% of children in Busia County are engaged in child labour.
This means that approximately six out of every ten children are involved in some form of economic activity, often under exploitative conditions.
Even more concerning, he added, is that 70% of child labour cases in the county involve the private sector.
He clarified that these children do not work in their own family businesses but in enterprises owned by others.
“There is a need to actively engage the private sector if we are to prevent this harmful practice,” Ratemo emphasized.
Commitment to Implementation and Expansion
Ratemo urged stakeholders to operationalize the Code of Conduct in their business premises to ensure it becomes an integral part of corporate responsibility in Busia County.
He affirmed the commitment of Terre des Hommes and ICS, the organizations supporting the initiative, to working with Busia County in enforcing the new guidelines.
“Busia is the first county to launch a Code of Conduct specifically targeting private sector actors. We have also initiated discussions with Machakos County, though we are still in the early stages,” he added.
Government and Religious Leaders Back the Initiative
Busia County Commissioner Mwachaunga Chaunga commended the organizations involved for their role in developing the document, stating that it would help safeguard the rights of children and ensure a more ethical business environment.
“This Code of Conduct will serve as a guide to prevent child exploitation and raise awareness about ethical labour practices. It is now up to stakeholders to implement it effectively,” he said.
Religious leaders at the forum also pledged to integrate the principles of the Code of Conduct into their teachings and sermons, reinforcing the importance of child protection within their communities.
A Step Toward Ethical Business Practices
With Busia County leading the way, the launch of this Code of Conduct for the Private Sector sets a precedent for other counties in Kenya to follow.
By ensuring businesses take responsibility for eradicating child labour from their supply chains, the county is making a bold move toward ethical business practices, child protection, and sustainable community development.
Stakeholders are now tasked with ensuring the effective implementation of the document, transforming it from policy into action that will bring real change to the lives of children in Busia County.
Share This Post