Parents have been challenged to take a more active role in mentoring and guiding their children amid growing concern over a rise in school fires and cases of indiscipline in learning institutions across the country.
Speaking at Gakondi Primary School in Imenti South Sub-County, Permanent Secretary for Forestry Gitonga Mugambi said the increasing incidents of arson in schools were alarming and posed a threat to the country’s education sector.
Mugambi said parents, teachers and other stakeholders must work together to instill discipline among learners and ensure schools remain safe environments for learning and personal growth.
“The rising cases of school fires are worrying. Parents must play their role in mentoring children while schools and communities work together to nurture responsible citizens,” he said.
The PS also cautioned members of the public against destroying property or blocking roads during demonstrations, saying such actions undermine development efforts and result in unnecessary losses.
He urged Kenyans to embrace lawful and peaceful channels when expressing grievances, emphasizing that dialogue and respect for the rule of law remain critical in maintaining peace and promoting national development.
At the same event, Imenti South Deputy County Commissioner Mary Mwangi lauded the national government for decentralizing essential services to the sub-county level, saying the move has improved access and reduced costs for residents seeking government services.
Mwangi said residents are now benefiting from services offered through the Civil Registration Department, Huduma Centre, local courts and the Affordable Housing Programme without having to travel to Meru town.
“The decentralisation of government services has significantly reduced the time and cost wananchi incur when seeking services,” she said.
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Meru County Executive Secretary Morris Njira who was also present echoed concerns over the growing cases of school unrest and indiscipline among learners.
Njira called on the Ministry of Education to review existing policies on discipline management, arguing that teachers have become increasingly constrained when handling errant students due to fear of legal action or disciplinary measures against them.
“The current environment has made it difficult for teachers to effectively enforce discipline in schools. There is a need to review some policies to empower teachers while safeguarding learners’ rights,” he said.
He added that parents must take greater responsibility in shaping the character of their children, noting that discipline begins at home before learners enter the classroom.
On environmental conservation, Meru County Forest Conservator Willington Ndaka urged residents to embrace tree planting, particularly fruit trees, as a way of improving forest cover while generating income and enhancing household nutrition.
Ndaka said fruit farming presents a practical opportunity for communities to contribute to environmental conservation while improving livelihoods.
He encouraged institutions, farmers and community groups to support afforestation programmes aimed at increasing the country’s forest cover and mitigating the effects of climate change.
Leaders who attended the celebrations reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving service delivery, promoting environmental conservation and strengthening discipline among learners as part of efforts to accelerate development in Meru County and the country at large.
Edited by John Majau
