COTU-K Officially Launches Youth Workshop on the Elimination of Child Labour
The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K) officially opened a landmark two-day Youth Workshop ( 9th-10th June) focused on the elimination of child labour, held at its historic Solidarity Building headquarters in Nairobi . This workshop is a critical collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) under the Accelerating Action for the Elimination of Child Labour (ACCEL) Project.
The event brought together dynamic youth leaders, trade union representatives, and stakeholders from key agricultural counties known for their tea and coffee production, including Meru, Nyeri, Kisii, Kericho, and Nairobi. These regions face significant challenges related to child labour, particularly within lower-tier supply chains.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Secretary General Bro. Benson Okwaro of COTU-K and Hellen Rintari of ILO, emphasized the urgent need to confront the exploitation of children in agriculture, noting, “When a child picks coffee beans or weeds tea bushes instead of attending school, we fail as a nation. Child labour is not only a violation of labour laws but also robs Kenya of its future potential.”
The workshop aimed to empower youth participants with knowledge of legal frameworks, the role of education, and the importance of trade union activism in eradicating child labour. It recognizes youth as critical agents of change who understand community dynamics and can lead efforts to monitor, report, and challenge child labour practices on the ground.
Key highlights included:
- Presentations on the Kenya legal framework and international conventions such as ILO Convention 138 (Minimum Age) and Convention 182 (Worst Forms of Child Labour).
- Group exercises exploring the definition, effects of child labour, and the role of education in its elimination.
- Discussions on trade union organizing, collective bargaining agreements, and occupational safety and health as related to child labour.
- Empowering youth to take active roles in their communities as watchdogs and advocates for children’s rights.
COTU-K reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring decent work for adults while fiercely opposing the exploitation of children, emphasizing that youth participation is vital-not merely symbolic, in shaping future labour rights and child protection policies. “This workshop is not just a seminar; it is a formal commissioning into battle against child labour,” said Benson Okwaro. “We call on all participants to act immediately upon returning to their communities; educate, monitor, report, and protect our children.” The workshop also acknowledged the vital support of the ILO and the ACCEL Project team, whose partnership strengthens Kenya’s national effort against child labour. COTU-K stands united with all partners and communities to build a future where every child is free from labour exploitation and empowered to thrive through education and dignity.
