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A Parliamentary Committee has raised concern over the increasing number of underage children being hired as herders in parts of Kilifi County.
The National Assembly Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities expressed shock during a recent peace meeting, following revelations that prominent farmers in Magarini and Malindi constituencies were employing children as herders, depriving them of education.
Committee Chairperson Adan Yussuf Haji urged security agencies to take action against individuals who undermine children’s future by hiring them for cheap labour.
“Police and administrators must act swiftly and hold accountable those who exploit underage children as herders, thereby destroying their lives,” said the Mandera West MP.
He added, “The days when children were used to graze livestock are long gone. Anyone denying children their right to education should face the full force of the law.”
MP Haji made the remarks during a community dialogue meeting organized by the Committee in partnership with the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC).
The meeting was aimed at fostering peace between warring herders and farmers in Magarini Constituency.
The meeting also sought long-term solutions to ongoing conflicts between the two groups, which have led to loss of lives and destruction of property.
Farmers, led by former MCA Renson Karisa, lamented the destruction of food crops caused by herders who reportedly drive hundreds of cattle, camels, and goats onto their farms with impunity.
They revealed that most of the herders are children aged between 12 and 15 years.
Karisa claimed that powerful government officials who own the destructive livestock intimidate residents who attempt to raise complaints.
“When we report such cases, the police and chiefs fail to act because they fear repercussions, as the livestock often belong to influential figures in government,” said Karisa.
He further alleged that farmers have been attacked, some fatally, during confrontations with herders trespassing on their land.
“I was assaulted and suffered a broken leg after confronting herders who had driven nearly 300 camels into my farm,” he recounted, adding that the herders are usually armed with crude weapons such as bows, arrows, knives, and pangas.
Former area MP Harrison Kombe noted that conflict between herders and farmers remains prevalent in Chamari, Malafa and Bungari areas.
“We successfully brokered peace in Marereni, which had similar challenges,” he said.
Japheth Gona, Chairperson of a local Community Policing Committee, told the meeting that the use of child herders is on the rise. He described the children as illiterate and defiant.
“They don’t understand Kiswahili or the local language, and they act with impunity,” he said.
Teso North MP Oku Kaunya urged residents to share information with the Committee discreetly if they fear reprisals.
“We’re here to find a lasting solution. If you have any information and fear speaking publicly, feel free to share it confidentially,” he said.
Lamu County MP Monica Marubu condemned the use of children as herders and called for urgent intervention.
“I am deeply disturbed by reports that children are being hired to herd cattle at the expense of their education. Security agencies must address this issue swiftly,” she said.
Shinyalu MP Fred Ikana called on both herders and farmers to respect each other’s property and foster peaceful coexistence for the region’s sustainable development.
NCIC Commissioner Dr. Danvas Makori and CEO Dr. Daniel Mutegi Giti emphasized that the meeting was part of a broader conflict resolution program.
“We will return for a follow-up meeting with concrete solutions,” said Dr. Makori, urging residents to live in harmony.
Magarini Division Assistant County Commissioner Joshua Leitoi confirmed that authorities are addressing the exploitation of children as herders.
He said several herders have been prosecuted for property destruction, and some farmers have faced assault charges. He urged all parties to maintain peace, warning that any security threats will be dealt with firmly.
