2.4 million orphans risk neglect, says minister

[Guest guest]

NEWS

2.4 million orphans risk neglect, says minister

Story by WALKER MWANDOTO

Publication Date: 5/9/2008

Out of 18 million children, Kenya has a total of 2.4 million orphans,

a Government survey has revealed.

And according to the Gender and Children Affairs minister Esther

Mathenge, " These children represent the most vulnerable members of our

society because they have no voice to defend their rights.

" Too often they are neglected, exploited and discriminated against, " she said.

The Government is carrying out a cash transfer programme in 37

districts in order to provide " regular and predictable " transfer of

cash to families living with orphans and vulnerable children, she

said.

Quoting the Government report, Ms Mathenge said many children are

vulnerable due to various factors that " require urgent measures " to

re-integrate them into society.

Speaking during the marking of World Orphans Day at Ganze primary

school in Ganze constituency, Ms Mathenge said there were 13,280

households in Kenya caring for orphans.

This, she said, will encourage the families to foster and retain the children.

Extended

The theme for this year's celebrations was I too have the right to respect.

The minister said that in the African traditional society, orphans

were taken care of by the extended family, but lamented that the

socio-cultural and economic changes have weakened family ties.

[Guest guest]

NEWS

2.4 million orphans risk neglect, says minister

Story by WALKER MWANDOTO

Publication Date: 5/9/2008

Out of 18 million children, Kenya has a total of 2.4 million orphans,

a Government survey has revealed.

And according to the Gender and Children Affairs minister Esther

Mathenge, " These children represent the most vulnerable members of our

society because they have no voice to defend their rights.

" Too often they are neglected, exploited and discriminated against, " she said.

The Government is carrying out a cash transfer programme in 37

districts in order to provide " regular and predictable " transfer of

cash to families living with orphans and vulnerable children, she

said.

Quoting the Government report, Ms Mathenge said many children are

vulnerable due to various factors that " require urgent measures " to

re-integrate them into society.

Speaking during the marking of World Orphans Day at Ganze primary

school in Ganze constituency, Ms Mathenge said there were 13,280

households in Kenya caring for orphans.

This, she said, will encourage the families to foster and retain the children.

Extended

The theme for this year's celebrations was I too have the right to respect.

The minister said that in the African traditional society, orphans

were taken care of by the extended family, but lamented that the

socio-cultural and economic changes have weakened family ties.