KENYA – The International Labour Organization (ILO) has announced the launch of a groundbreaking initiative aimed at protecting children from working in tea and coffee farms across Africa.
Through the ACCEL Africa Project, the ILO seeks to address child labor in cocoa, gold, cotton, tea, and coffee supply chains on the continent.
The initiative, unveiled on Thursday, focuses on combating the root causes of child labor in specific counties and supply chains. In Kenya, the project will concentrate its efforts on coffee and tea value chains in Kirinyaga, Meru, Kericho, and Kisii counties.
Caroline Mugalla, Director of the ILO Country Office, emphasized the strategic approach of the ACCEL Africa Project in targeting the underlying factors contributing to child labor. The project enters its second phase following successful implementation in six African countries.
Funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Government, the project will collaborate closely with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Labour, the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), and the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU).
The Netherlands ambassador to Kenya, Maarten Brouwer, condemned child labor, stating that it neglects the future potential of children’s labor that can be harnessed through education.
He emphasized the economic and social repercussions of exploiting children for labor, advocating for long-term value creation through education.
Florence Bore, Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, underscored the importance of mainstreaming elimination efforts across all value chains, reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding children’s futures.
Jacqueline Mugo, CEO of the Federation of Kenyan Employers, stressed the necessity of public awareness campaigns and social dialogue in combating child labor. She highlighted the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in addressing this critical issue.
The initiative comes at a pivotal time for Kenya, following the signing of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union.
The project aims to support Kenya in meeting the sustainability and fair-trade standards required under the EPA, ensuring responsible trade practices and safeguarding the welfare of children involved in the agricultural supply chains.
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