Kilifi faces child labour crisis as young herders flood in farms

By Newsflash Writer

Kilifi County is battling a worsening child labour crisis, with children as young as 12 years old being pulled out of school and pushed into herding livestock.

Many of these underage herders are migrating from Tana River, Mandera, and Garissa counties to areas like Magarini, sparking concerns over their welfare and education rights.

Alarmed by the growing trend, the National Assembly Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities, chaired by Mandera West MP Adan Yussuf Haji, has called for urgent government action.

During a peace dialogue held in Magarini and Malindi constituencies, committee members expressed outrage over reports that influential farmers were hiring minors to tend to their livestock.

“The era of using children as herders should be over. Anyone denying a child their right to education must face legal consequences,” declared MP Haji.

Urgent calls for action and local frustrations

Local farmers are also speaking out, citing growing frustrations over the impact of young, inexperienced herders on their farms.

“We can’t just sit and watch our crops being destroyed by herds managed by children who don’t understand the work,” said farmer James Charo.

He urged the government to enforce regulations, emphasizing that only responsible adult herders should be employed, as they can be held accountable for any damages.

Another farmer, Fatuma Mohammed, echoed the concern, pointing out that many of the young herders struggle with communication.

“They are too young for this kind of work and don’t even speak Swahili. They carry weapons like knives and rungus and often react aggressively when challenged. We are worried for our safety,” she said.

The influx of young herders has brought not only agricultural disruptions but also heightened security risks. Many of the children are armed with knives, arrows, and clubs, escalating confrontations with local residents.

Language barriers have further complicated the situation, as most of the young herders only speak languages such as Wardhei, Oruma, and Somali, limiting communication with the local Swahili-speaking population.

Former Marafa Ward MCA Renson Karisa shared a personal account of the escalating tensions.

“This situation is out of control. Children are being exploited, and their presence is fueling conflict between farmers and herders. I was physically attacked while trying to protect my farm,” Karisa said.

Impunity of livestock owners

He condemned the impunity of influential livestock owners who, he claimed, believe they are above the law.

Karisa stressed the urgent need for government intervention, stating, “Farmers are demanding change. Livestock owners must hire responsible adults, not send young boys into dangerous fields. These children belong in classrooms, not risking their lives in the bush.”

As the situation continues to deteriorate, community leaders and rights activists are intensifying calls for the government to enforce child protection laws and crack down on those exploiting minors for labour.

Farmers maintain that the only real solution is getting the children back into school, away from hazardous working conditions.

While the government has pledged to take action, for many of Kilifi’s exploited children, meaningful justice still feels distant.