Luanda MP Dick Maungu has raised concern over the rising number of school-going children dropping out to venture into gold mining in Mwibona ward, in the constituency.
Maungu said the trend of children opting for quick money at the expense of education posed a worrying threat to future generations and must be reversed.
He said he had received reports that at least 13 school-going children had dropped out and were now prospecting for gold in local mines.
Maungu called on parents to work with National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) to ensure children engaged in mining return to school.
“I have received reports that schoolchildren in this area of Mulwanda are dropping out of school to go into gold mining. I want our security team to look for such children and ensure they go back to their respective schools,” Maungu said.
He said the trend undermined education, despite the constitution providing for free and compulsory basic education for every Kenyan child.
The legislator urged authorities to enforce child labour laws by ensuring those engaging children in mining were charged in court.
Maungu was speaking at Mulwanda Primary School in Mwibona, where he launched a six-classroom storey building and commissioned the Mulwanda village rural electrification project.
Artisanal gold mining is taking place in Mwibona, Vihiga county. It is also taking place in Ikolomani, Shinyalu, Lurambi and Khwisero constituencies in Kakamega county.
British mining company Shanta Gold has discovered gold worth Sh680 billion in the Bushangala and Isulu areas.
Maungu said he was working to ensure more children accessed quality education by improving school infrastructure, supplying stationery and supporting students through bursaries and scholarships.
“My focus is to give our children the best learning environment. Dropping out of school for gold mining will kill their dreams,” he added.
Maungu said a programme to supply electricity to all learning institutions and more homes was under way.
He said the Sh8.9 million Mulwanda village electrification project would serve more than 68 households. He urged Luanda voters to judge him by his development record rather than political rhetoric ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“Every leader will be judged by his performance record. In my case, I am focused on service delivery to my people, and my slogan is Kazi Kwanza, Siasa Baadaye,” Maungu said.
