The Kenyan government has mandated DNA testing for mothers returning with children from abroad to combat child trafficking. Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua announced this policy to verify maternal relationships and ensure child safety. Additional support for distressed Kenyans abroad is being implemented alongside this initiative, though concerns about profiling and misinformation persist.
The Kenyan government has instituted a policy mandating that mothers returning from abroad with children must undergo DNA testing. This measure, announced by Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, aims to combat rising child trafficking and ensure the safety of children entering Kenya.
Under this new directive, DNA tests will be conducted at the point of entry to authenticate the biological relationship between mothers and their children. This initiative addresses concerns regarding Kenyan women giving birth overseas, with some potentially being implicated in child trafficking operations.
“We have got quite a number of Kenyans in some countries who have given birth. We are trying to get them back home with their children. Once they are here, we will do a DNA test to match the child to the mother and avoid child trafficking,” stated Mutua.
The Ministry of Labour is also engaged in repatriating these families and is committed to providing them with necessary support upon their return. Mutua mentioned that efforts are focused on ensuring a seamless and safe process for these individuals.
The Kenyan government’s mandatory DNA testing policy aims to protect children and combat trafficking, particularly concerning mothers returning from abroad. While this initiative seeks to safeguard vulnerable populations, it has sparked some controversy regarding perceptions of Kenyan workers abroad. The government’s broader support efforts for citizens facing challenges overseas indicate a commitment to enhancing the welfare of Kenyans globally, though critiques surrounding the approach remain present.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
