Thika Children’s Officer Rebecca Kariuki has raised concern over rising cases of parents abandoning their children in the area.
The officer said that the number of children being dumped and left on their own has risen in Thika town.
Briefing journalists at her office on Friday, the officer asked parents to take their roles seriously.
She noted that children have the right to be taken care of and that abandoning them contravenes the Children Act.
“We have learnt that the number of children who are being abandoned by their parents has increased in Thika,” she said.
Kariuki said that investigation will be launched and action taken against parents or guardians who might have abandoned their children.
She stated that though the economy is harsh, parents and guardians must struggle and take care of their children.
The officer asked the county government to step in and help address the matter.
She also called on the county to intervene over the issue of street children in Thika.
“Many children are roaming the streets instead of being in school, the county government should step in and take them to school,” she added.
Kariuki further asked the county to establish more children centers and rehabs so that their plight can be taken care of.