Nairobi — The Government is working on a policy to address the plight of orphans.

The Minister for Gender and Children Affairs, Ms Esther Murugi, said existing laws concerning orphans and needy children were inadequate.

"Too often, such children are neglected, stigmatised, rejected, exploited and discriminated against. The Government has an obligation to look for better ways to change these attitudes," said Murugi.

She said orphaned children faced problems like lack of food, proper shelter, money to cater for their education needs and proper medication.

"It's difficult to see how orphans and vulnerable children can concentrate on school work and perform well in exams when they face so many challenges," Murugi said.

The minister said the African tradition where orphaned children were taken care of by members of their extended families had been abandoned.

She made the remarks at Ganze Primary School in Kilifi District during celebrations to mark the World Orphans Day on Wednesday.

The minister said she would table a Motion in Parliament that would seek for the creation of special laws to address children's challenges.

Murugi also announced that the Government, through the Department of Children Services, had initiated a cash transfer programme in 35 districts where families living with orphans and vulnerable children get Sh1,500 monthly.

She said the aim of the programme was to encourage the foster parents to continue playing their vital role in the community.