Maua
Saturday June 8, 2024,
KNA by Kamanja Maeria and Mary Wairimu
A surge in cases of child neglect has created an uproar among authorities prompting a call for concerted efforts among all stakeholders to address the matter.
Speaking to KNA, the Igembe South sub-county children’s officer Vincent Kaunda noted that the rise calls for immediate interventions.
Kaunda reported handling over 15 cases of child neglect every day in his office.
According to the officer, the surge is closely linked to drug and alcohol abuse, adding that many parents have turned to alcoholism leaving their children in the hands of relatives or to fend for themselves.
Kaunda maintained that many parents, specifically men are not taking part in child-rearing leaving the entire burden on women, majority of whom are not financially stable making it impossible to provide their children with all necessities.
“The absence of paternal support and involvement has left many mothers to bear the weight of parentage alone, increasing chances of child neglect, ‘’ he said.
He further noted that some families are often under a toxic atmosphere due to domestic violence which leaves children’s needs unattended.
“Many families have become inhabitable due to domestic violence which disrupts families leaving children psychologically and emotionally tortured,’’ he said.
Kaunda noted that the exacerbating issue calls for concerted effort from all stakeholders including local authorities to ensure all children grow in a safe environment.
He further linked child neglect with overwhelming demands of raising many children and advised parents to embrace family planning so as to sire children by choice rather than by chance.
“With the adverse economic hardships, family planning is essential in managing family size and ensuring each child receives resources they require for their daily living,’’ Kaunda emphasised.
Courtesy; KNA
