THE IMPACT OF DOMESTIC CHILD LABOUR, ON CHILDREN’S GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. A CASE STUDY OF DOMESTIC CHILD WORKERS AT THE CENTRE FOR DOMESTIC TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT- NAIROBI COUNTY - KENYA

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the impact of domestic child labor on children’s growth and development. The study was carried out at the center for domestic training and development at Nairobi west. Quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection were used. Several methods of data collection were used. These were questionnaires, focus group discussion, key informants interviews and role plays. Case study design was applied. The specific objectives were. (i) To investigate the factors that led the domestic child workers to the vice, (ii) To investigate the work conditions of the domestic child workers. .(iii) examine the effects of the interventions of the child labor polices, community based organizations and faith based organizations services,doner agencies and all development partners of domestic child labor.(iv). To examine the effects of awareness raising among parents, guardians, employers and children themselves on domestic child labor. The major study findings were (a) Most of the domestic child workers were led there by abject poverty as a result of either being single or double orphans or being refugees from neighboring countries. (b) Majority of domestic child workers work hard and for long hours between 14-20 hours.(c) That the available legislation if well implemented can mitigate Domestic Child Labor. Prevention and rescue of Domestic Child Labor is covered thereby. (d) When awareness raising among parents/guardians children themselves, employers, government, NGO’s, FBO, CBO and general public; is conducted, they are expected to assist the DCLs to attend either formal or informal school. The major policy recommendations were as follows (i) The domestic labor policy to be implemented by the change agents to as to offer decent terms of work for domestic workers.(ii) That the children domestic workers to be given a second chance to continue with formal or vocational education.(iii) That majority of the employees be sensitized on the importance of caring for domestic workers development.(iv) That the domestic workers should be involved in their freedom from oppression by receiving civic education plus to let them know and understand the children Act2001 labor relations the employment act and the domestic workers policy passed in Geneva 100th sitting in June 2011 as it awaits domestication in Kenya.(v) It is suggested that the government of Kenya try to provide land for center for domestic training and development to encourage the management in the noble selfless work. The study results are confined to Nairobi county consequently similar studies could be carried out in other counties particularly in the rural setting.