Africa-Press – Kenya. As Kenya marked the International Day of the Girl Child on Monday, October 11, 2021, a 17-year-old girl from Kisumu County got a rare opportunity to act as a County Police Commander for a day.
While addressing the press at his office, the Kisumu County police boss, Richard Ngeno, handed over his duties to Jane, not her real name, as he oriented the ‘new police boss’ on her duties.
The 17-year-old, who is a student at Kit Mikayi Secondary School, could not hide her joy as she took over the reins of power at the police headquarters. She stated that the opportunity accorded to her would motivate her in school.
“I feel good. I did not know that I will come all the way from Seme to come and sit on this chair. It is a challenge to me that I will go back to school and work and hope that one day I will sit on this chair,” she stated.
As she was settling at her new desk, the first assignment came in immediately as she was seen picking up the phone and issuing orders to her juniors.
“Okay, ensure that all of them are apprehended and taken to the police station,” she ordered.
On his part, Ngeno expressed optimism that the initiative between the National Police Service (NPS) and Plan International Kenya, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), would encourage female students in the country to pursue leadership positions.
“The purpose of us celebrating this day is actually to offer an opportunity to this girl and other girls to show them that in life they can grow up and attain what they want,” he stated.
Ngeno added that the program was built around three pillars, insisting that the girl-child needed to be empowered. He noted that many girls faced challenges when making career choices.
“We want them to be seen in the society. We want them to be recognized. We want them to learn how to make decisions about their lives without any intimidation or discrimination.
“The pillars on this day are power, freedom, and representation. We are encouraging every other girl that an office like this is a public office which can be occupied by anybody,” Ngeno stated.
In the interview, he also revealed that his department would continue with similar initiatives in the future while wishing Jane the best of luck in her new role.
