Nakuru County Champions Boy Child Empowerment Initiatives

Nakuru County is focusing on boy child empowerment to enhance well-being and education retention. County officials highlight the importance of addressing boys’ rights through partnerships to combat issues such as substance abuse and mental health challenges. Collaboration with organizations like Manna Bay Foundation aims to provide mentorship and life skills. The initiative emphasizes the need for balanced focus on both boys and girls to promote gender equality and societal well-being.

Nakuru County is actively promoting initiatives aimed at empowering the boy child, focusing on enhancing boys’ well-being and their retention in educational settings. Ms. Alice Abuki, the County Chief Officer for Resource Mobilization, emphasized the importance of prioritizing boys’ rights through public-private partnerships to address key issues like educational retention, substance abuse prevention, and mental health awareness.

Acknowledging that attention has primarily been directed towards the girl child, Abuki called for a shift in societal focus to include the boy child. She advocated for a comprehensive approach to raise awareness and support for boys’ empowerment efforts within the community, particularly in collaboration with organizations like Manna Bay Foundation.

During a meeting with Manna Bay Foundation, which focuses on empowering boys through education, mentorship, and life skills, the importance of mental health was highlighted. Abuki reiterated the connection between mental health and personal empowerment, explaining the profound impact these areas have on societal wellbeing.

Ms. Gladys Kamuren, the Chief Officer for Social Services and Inclusivity, expressed the necessity of balancing empowerment efforts between genders. She called on NGOs, religious organizations, and the private sector to support mentorship initiatives that bolster boys’ self-esteem and confidence.

Public Health Chief Officer Ms. Joyce Ncece reinforced the County’s commitment to addressing health disparities among boys. She noted the implementation of community medical outreach programs designed to tackle cultural and legal challenges hindering boys’ health service uptake.

Highlighted during the discussions was the vital role boys play in establishing gender equality in Kenya. Kamuren underscored that inclusive discussions and initiatives should encompass boys and men to foster a balanced societal perspective on gender issues.

Ms. Catherine Changwony, Chief Officer for ICT, e-Govt and Public Communication, encouraged boys, especially those from low-income families, to maximize their academic potential. She motivated them to overcome societal challenges, particularly poverty, with the understanding that they can improve their family’s situation through education.

The dire statistics regarding boys in Kenya, including their over-representation in prisons and as victims of neglect, have prompted increased advocacy for their protection and empowerment. Despite previous initiatives focusing predominantly on girls, there is a growing recognition of the need to address the challenges faced by boys to ensure their well-being.

In summary, Nakuru County is committed to boy child empowerment through various initiatives aimed at improving educational retention, mental health, and social support. The involvement of local authorities and partnerships with organizations like Manna Bay Foundation highlights an inclusive approach to gender issues, recognizing the unique challenges faced by boys in society. The call for a balanced focus on both genders underscores the need for comprehensive empowerment strategies that contribute to a healthier, more equitable community.

Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke