The Kenyan government, UNICEF and the Embassy of Australia join hands to fight child marriages. [Photo|ibtimes.co.uk]
The government has stepped up efforts to curb child marriages in the country.
In a campaign dubbed #ENDChildMarriageKE, the government is targeting seven counties where lives of millions of girls are considered to be at great risk.
The initiative, which was launched in partnership with UNICEF and Australian Embassy in Kenya, would be rolled out in Garissa, Marsabit, Wajir, Isiolo, Turkana, West Pokot and Kisii counties.
Ijara MP Sophia Abdi who is spearheading the campaign in North Eastern, said the counties are considered to have the highest rates of child marriage.
"There is a need for leaders and policymakers to stand up, be counted and get involved in fighting the practice," she said.
Sophia who is the first woman MP from North Eastern has been steadfast in her stance against the vice.
"Child marriage has a lot of health risks, is a crime and denies Kenyan girls a chance to realize their dreams," the legislator observed.
Australian Acting Deputy High Commissioner Quiton Delvin lauded Kenya for enacting laws against child marriages, adding there is need to implement them from grassroots to the national level.
"We applaud Kenyan Government for enacting laws to stop child marriage. However, implementation of these laws remains a challenge towards ending this practice. We hope through the campaign, we will bring a difference," said Devlin, speaking in Nairobi.
Among the celebrities contracted for the drive are renowned media personality Janet Mbugua and rapper King Kaka.