More than 20 Children's homes in Bomet County are facing fresh vetting in a bid to ensure the safety of orphans they are housing.
Bomet Governor Joyce Laboso and County Commissioner Geoffrey Omonding said the vetting was ignited by closure of a home in the area over alleged molestation of children.
“We want to avoid the recent scenario where teenage girls molested by a proprietor of a children home in Konoin and all the homes within the county. We want to know the safety and wellness of all children being housed at the orphanages,” the governor said.
She said there was need to know that all those operating children homes are adhering to the regulation set and that children do not undergo any mistreatment.
Laboso said the vetting will involve health check of all children in the homes to ensure they are in good health particularly girls.
Omonding said they will not hesitate to close any home that will be found to expose children to any insecurity or mistreatment.
He said Chiefs and their assistants have been asked to be on constant check on the homes within their jurisdiction and raise alarm on any suspicious activities that endanger children being housed.
Dow Children’s home was closed in 2017 after nine teenage girls were allegedly molested sexually and forcefully put on family planning pills.
Other children were reportedly mistreated and subjected to a poor feeding program that led to one of them dying and secretly buried at the compound.
The home that was being operated by an American family was registered in 2009 by the local children department.
Mary Rose Dow was arrested and charged before Sotik Law courts after her husband who was the main suspect escaped the country.
The incident has angered local leaders who want the American family repatriated and charged afresh with the offences.
