By Monica Nashon
Boards of management from nine coffee cooperative societies in Kisii County have completed a five-day training programme aimed at strengthening efforts to eliminate child labour in coffee-growing communities.
The training, conducted under the International Labour Organization through the ACCEL Africa Project, brought together leaders from various cooperative societies across the county.
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Participants underwent sessions on cooperative governance, leadership, accountability, transparency and strategies for preventing child labour within coffee supply chains.
Speaking during the training, ACCEL Project National Project Officer Duncan Chando said ending child labour requires empowering farming households economically.
According to Chando, strong and well-managed cooperatives enable farmers to earn better incomes, improve working conditions and reduce the likelihood of children being drawn into farm work.
“This training is important because strong cooperatives help improve the lives of farmers while ensuring children stay in school,” said Chando.
Chairperson of Nyambunde Farmers’ Cooperative Society, Stephen Obure, said the programme had equipped leaders with a deeper understanding of their role in safeguarding children’s welfare.
“We have learnt that good leadership and proper management systems can improve trust among members and also help children remain in school,” he said.
Nyamarambe Farmers’ Cooperative Society Chairlady Elmelda Kausi said cooperative leaders will now work toward integrating child labour prevention policies into their day-to-day operations.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to promote child-labour-free coffee and tea supply chains across Kenya.
