Across the world today, an estimated 160 million children are trapped in child labour, many in hazardous conditions that rob them of health, education, and hope. Closer home, Kenya is not immune. From hidden domestic work to agricultural fields and the shadowy spaces of trafficking and online exploitation, too many children are denied their right to simply be children.

It is against this backdrop that Strathmore University hosted the Third Employment and Labour Relations Annual Symposium and Exhibition (ELRASE III), organised by the Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC), starting September 15, 2025.

With the theme “Elimination of All Forms of Child Labour and Access to Justice,” the three-day gathering brought together judges, policymakers, employers, labour leaders, academics, students, and international partners in a united call to eliminate all forms of child labour and safeguard access to justice.

In her keynote address, Chief Justice Martha Koome reminded the audience that child labour is not merely a breach of law but also a social injustice.

“Child labour robs children of their childhood, their dignity, and their future. It undermines their right to education, health, rest, and play. It entrenches cycles of poverty and denies society the innovations of an empowered generation,” said CJ Koome.

She highlighted Kenya’s bold constitutional commitments, especially Article 53, which enshrines every child’s right to free and compulsory basic education and protection from exploitative labour. The Children Act 2022 and the establishment of specialised Children’s Courts further demonstrate the Judiciary’s determination to protect children.

The Child Justice Strategy (2023–2030), launched under the Judiciary’s Social Transformation Through Access to Justice (STAJ) blueprint, provides a roadmap for ensuring that every child interacting with the justice system is treated with dignity and fairness. This, the Chief Justice stressed, is how the Judiciary translates constitutional promises into lived realities for children.

The Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC) was celebrated for its progressive jurisprudence and efficiency in addressing disputes. Over the past six years, the Court has achieved a 60% reduction in case backlog, a milestone that reflects its commitment to timely justice for workers, families, and communities.

ELRASE itself, now in its third edition, was hailed as a model of forward-looking judicial engagement, not just resolving disputes, but convening dialogue, shaping policy, and influencing labour standards to better protect vulnerable groups, including children.

Dr. Jane Wathuta, Dean, Strathmore Law School, framed the symposium as a moral turning point. “Such a partnership advances knowledge and the common good. At Strathmore, we believe in nurturing students who value ethical conduct. Education is a strong tool against child labour, and young people must be at the centre of the law in curbing it,” said Dr. Wathuta.

A recurring message at the symposium was that eliminating child labour cannot be left to one arm of government alone. It requires the concerted effort of Parliament, the Executive, employers, trade unions, civil society, communities, and international partners.

Hanna Wendot Cheptumo, Cabinet Secretary, Gender, Culture and Children Services, posed a critical question. “How can research and academia play their part in ensuring that decisions are anchored on data?” She stressed that beyond reflection, investment in education was the surest weapon against child labour.

Her words were reinforced by Shadrack Mwadime, Principal Secretary, Labour and Social Protection, who called for multi-sectoral responsibility. “Policy, partnerships, and global solidarity are non-negotiable if we are to win this fight. Protecting children is protecting humanity,” said Mwadime.

Ms. Jacqueline Mugo, CEO, Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) and Dr. Francis Atwoli, Secretary General, Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), underscored the urgency of unity between employers and workers in eliminating child labour. They were unequivocal that no economic gain can ever justify robbing children of their future. The world of work, they insisted, must protect, not exploit, the young.

Ms. Caroline Khamati Mugalla, Director of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Country Office in Dar es Salaam, emphasised that eliminating child labour demands robust policy frameworks, strategic partnerships, and steadfast global solidarity. She reminded participants that this is not a burden for any one nation to bear alone, but a shared responsibility of the entire international community.

One of the highlights of day one was the presentation of awards to outstanding pupils and students who participated in an essay writing competition on the theme.

The three-day symposium also featured a series of panel discussions that unpacked the theme from multiple perspectives. From examining global conventions like the UNCRC and ILO standards, to reflecting on Kenya’s own legal safeguards, the conversations dug deep into both promise and practice. Experts spotlighted how child labour persists in displacement contexts, the dangers children face online, and the urgent need to strengthen community, national, and international responses.

Article written by Stephen Wakhu.