HOMA BAY, Kenya — Parents have been urged to take a more active role in guiding their children and protecting them from politicians and criminal groups seeking to recruit young people into political violence, goonism and other unlawful activities.
Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo said parents must work closely with schools to monitor their children’s academic performance, discipline and social associations rather than leaving the responsibility entirely to teachers and school administrators.
Speaking during a parents’ meeting at Ober Boys High School in Rachuonyo East Sub-County, Homa Bay County, Dr Omollo warned that young people often bear the greatest consequences when they are manipulated into acts of political violence.
“I appeal to parents to know how their children are performing and to work closely with school administrations in addressing indiscipline. Our young people must never be allowed to become agents of violence or political goons,” Dr Omollo said.
The Principal Secretary urged parents, teachers and community leaders to guide learners towards education, skills development and productive economic opportunities instead of allowing them to be exploited for political interests.
He also cited recent cases of student unrest in some schools as evidence of the need for stronger collaboration among families, schools and government agencies to strengthen discipline and support learners.
Addressing students, Dr Omollo encouraged them to remain focused on their education, respect their teachers and parents, and use the opportunities available to build successful futures.
“To the students, we value you and respect you. That is why we are here, because we want the best for you. Do not take this opportunity for granted. Use your time wisely so that you can contribute positively to the transformation and development of our country,” he said.
The Principal Secretary reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector through increased investment in teachers and school infrastructure.
He said 100,000 teachers had been recruited over the past three years, with funding already provided to employ an additional 20,000 teachers during the current financial year.
He noted that Ober Boys High School currently has 32 Teachers Service Commission teachers, 12 of whom were recruited during the past three years, describing the appointments as part of broader efforts to address teacher shortages and improve the quality of education.
Dr Omollo further said the government had constructed more than 23,000 classrooms and 16,000 laboratories nationwide to support the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), while calling on parents, alumni, elected leaders and local communities to complement government investment by supporting school development initiatives.
Beyond education, he highlighted ongoing investments in healthcare, roads and the blue economy, including the construction of fish landing sites across the region, some of which are more than 50 per cent complete.
He also pledged government support for one of the development priorities presented by the school administration, noting that Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi would consider another request raised during the meeting.
The Principal Secretary said the government would continue working with elected leaders, National Government Administration officers and local communities to improve learner transition, strengthen discipline and ensure every young Kenyan has the opportunity to pursue education and contribute to national development.
The meeting was attended by Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Homa Bay Deputy Governor Danish Otieno, Uriri MP Mark Nyamita, Kabondo Kasipul MP Dr Eva Obara and other leaders.