ILO launches new project in Kenya targeting child labour in Kenya's tea and coffee sectors.
11 April 2024
© ILO Kenya
Nairobi, Kenya - April 11, 2024 - The Ministry of Labour & Social Protection, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), is pleased to announce the official launch of the ACCEL Africa Project in Kenya. This landmark initiative, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Government, aims to combat child labour in Africa's cocoa, gold, cotton, tea, and coffee supply chains. The launch took place at a breakfast meeting held at the Radisson Blu Hotel - Upperhill in Nairobi.
The ACCEL Africa Project enters its second phase, following a successful implementation in six countries across the continent. Kenya's involvement will focus on the agriculture sector, specifically targeting the tea and coffee value chains. The urgency of this endeavour is underscored by the 2020 Global Estimates of Child Labour, revealing a distressing rise in child labourers, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating the situation, concerted efforts are crucial to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 8.7 by 2025.
Honourable Florence Bore, Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, speaking at the launch, stressed the importance of mainstreaming elimination efforts across all value chains, emphasizing the government's dedication to safeguarding children's futures.
Amb. Maarten Brouwer, ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Kenya noted that Putting children to labour is neglecting the potential future value of his or her labour that can be added through education. It reduces the chances of the child to self-develop. It is, therefore, economically unwise to do. Economically, it is short term gain at the expense of long-term value. Socially, it is excluding children from the chance to develop and to be of greater value to society once well educated.
The Ambassador also reiterated that the Netherlands is happy to be supporting this initiative in Kenya. Agriculture and tea are very important to our both countries. Recently, with the signing of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Kenya and the European Union, there is expected certain standards that will need to be kept for the trade between Kenya and the EU member states which the Netherlands is a member. What this project seeks to do is support Kenya address the requirements that will be expected to be kept in so far as sustainability and fair/responsible trade practices are concerned.
Ms. Jacqueline Mugo, CEO of the Federation of Kenyan Employers, in her remarks highlighted the necessity of public awareness campaigns in combating child labour and emphasized the importance of social dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders.
Bro. Benson Okwaro, deputy secretary general COTU (K) noted; “in confronting the harsh reality of persistent child labour, we must recognize the urgency of a holistic strategy. The multifaceted nature of this issue demands a comprehensive approach, targeting the very roots that sustain it. Only then can we safeguard the rights, well-being, and future of our children, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow."
Ms. Caroline Mugalla, the ILO Country Office Director, emphasized the strategic approach of the ACCEL Africa project, in targeting root causes of child labour in specific counties and supply chains. In Kenya, the project will focus on coffee and tea value chains in Kirinyaga, Meru, Kericho, and Kisii, collaborating closely with key stakeholders including the Ministry of Labour and Social Services, the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), and the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), among others.
For over three decades, the ILO has led global efforts to eradicate child labour, partnering with diverse stakeholders to uphold workplace rights. The 2022 Durban Call to Action underscores this commitment, urging strategies to combat child labour by improving decent work in supply chains and tackling its root causes. These include multi-stakeholder, whole-of-supply chain, and integrated area-based approaches.
The ACCEL Africa Project enters its second phase, following a successful implementation in six countries across the continent. Kenya's involvement will focus on the agriculture sector, specifically targeting the tea and coffee value chains. The urgency of this endeavour is underscored by the 2020 Global Estimates of Child Labour, revealing a distressing rise in child labourers, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating the situation, concerted efforts are crucial to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 8.7 by 2025.
Honourable Florence Bore, Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, speaking at the launch, stressed the importance of mainstreaming elimination efforts across all value chains, emphasizing the government's dedication to safeguarding children's futures.
Amb. Maarten Brouwer, ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Kenya noted that Putting children to labour is neglecting the potential future value of his or her labour that can be added through education. It reduces the chances of the child to self-develop. It is, therefore, economically unwise to do. Economically, it is short term gain at the expense of long-term value. Socially, it is excluding children from the chance to develop and to be of greater value to society once well educated.
The Ambassador also reiterated that the Netherlands is happy to be supporting this initiative in Kenya. Agriculture and tea are very important to our both countries. Recently, with the signing of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Kenya and the European Union, there is expected certain standards that will need to be kept for the trade between Kenya and the EU member states which the Netherlands is a member. What this project seeks to do is support Kenya address the requirements that will be expected to be kept in so far as sustainability and fair/responsible trade practices are concerned.
Ms. Jacqueline Mugo, CEO of the Federation of Kenyan Employers, in her remarks highlighted the necessity of public awareness campaigns in combating child labour and emphasized the importance of social dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders.
Bro. Benson Okwaro, deputy secretary general COTU (K) noted; “in confronting the harsh reality of persistent child labour, we must recognize the urgency of a holistic strategy. The multifaceted nature of this issue demands a comprehensive approach, targeting the very roots that sustain it. Only then can we safeguard the rights, well-being, and future of our children, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow."
Ms. Caroline Mugalla, the ILO Country Office Director, emphasized the strategic approach of the ACCEL Africa project, in targeting root causes of child labour in specific counties and supply chains. In Kenya, the project will focus on coffee and tea value chains in Kirinyaga, Meru, Kericho, and Kisii, collaborating closely with key stakeholders including the Ministry of Labour and Social Services, the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), and the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), among others.
For over three decades, the ILO has led global efforts to eradicate child labour, partnering with diverse stakeholders to uphold workplace rights. The 2022 Durban Call to Action underscores this commitment, urging strategies to combat child labour by improving decent work in supply chains and tackling its root causes. These include multi-stakeholder, whole-of-supply chain, and integrated area-based approaches.