Grant your children the right to education, Turkana residents urged
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) Vice-Chairperson Raymond Nyeris (in black cap) consulting with Turkana West DCC during the Human Rights Initiative event in Kakuma, Turkana West, Turkana County. Courtesy photo
Residents of Turkana have been encouraged to grant their children the right to education and take them to school so that they can have a good future.
The residents were also encouraged to co-exist peacefully with other communities so as to realize the right to education.
Speaking during the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNHCR) Peace Initiative in Kakuma, Turkana West, Commission Vice-Chairperson Dr Raymond Nyeris said the County Government of Turkana needed educated residents to provide manpower.
"Let us take our children to school. It is good to educate our children so that they can have a good future.We have a County government in place but if we do not educate our children,the County will lack educated people to employ,"said Dr. Nyeris said in a media statement send to press on Tuesday.
He said education was a human right which the children should not be denied.
Education has been cited as one of the most effective tools in ensuring the region remains peaceful in future by empowering the next generation, Dr Nyeris said.
On its part, the county government promised to work with all stakeholders to ensure equitable distribution of resources to avert conflicts that arise amongst local host communities and refugees.
Turkana West sub-County administrator Christine Nalemsekon represented the government in the function.
"As the government, we have a responsibility of ensuring citizens enjoy their rights. However, citizens have a duty to live peacefully so that the State can protect you while enjoying those rights," said Ms Nalemsekon.
She said the upgrading of Kakuma status to a municipality had increased investment opportunities in the area and this had helped in improving the economic status of the refugees and host communities.
There are over 300,000 refugees living in Kakuma and 800,000 across Kenya.
UNHCR Senior Protection Officer Ms Janet Pima said collective efforts were needed to uphold the human rights of the refugees and the rights of host communities.
