Despair as 501 children can’t trace their parents

Four girls are among 501 children stuck in orphanages in Kisumu since their families cannot be traced.

The Labour and Social Protection Principal Secretary has directed that children in orphanages be released to their families to ensure they are not exposed to coronavirus.

The four girls, aged between three and seven, who were rescued from suspects of child trafficking in Urudi Village Nyakach sub-County in Kisumu, do not know their families.

When the Saturday Standard caught up with them at Golf Course Children‘s Home they kept asking where they came from and when their families will reunite with them.

According to Thomas Alwala, the institution’s director, since they were brought in by officials from the Children’s Department in July last year, they have not received any communication on the fate of the children.

Police suspect the children were trafficked at a tender age since they cannot remember where their families are.

Investigations for a case before Ahero Law Courts confirmed the girls’ DNA do not match and none of them has a DNA matching with the two suspects who claimed to be their parents.

John Wainaina, the Children’s Officer in Nyakach said the girls were rescued last year after community members raised the alarm. The suspects were arrested and the children taken to an orphanage.

In statements at the department, the couple which operates in Kisumu and Eldoret gave contradicting information. The husband confirmed the children do not belong to them while the wife insisted they are their children.

“The man insisted he does not know where his wife got the children; we do not know where to take the children as they cannot stay at the orphanage forever,” Wainaina said. 

David Okongo, the director at House of Hope Orphanage Home, reported that of the 35 children at his institution are now engaging in child labour with a number of girls opting for early marriages.

“Some have disappeared, we are trying to trace them and give them with support even when they are with their guardians,” Okongo said.

Godin Otieno, the manager at Lakeside Christian Orphanage Home, said a social worker keeps track of the 84 children integrated into communities from the institution.

“Without enough food and basic needs for girls, they opt to engage in activities that risk their lives,” he said.

Humphrey Wandeo, the County Director Children Department, said since onset of coronavirus pandemic 840 children were integrated with their guardians and relatives.

“We are in touch with the children, we ensure they receive basic needs though monthly stipends,” Wandeo said.