Interior PS Omollo urges parents to protect children from political goonism

The government has urged parents to play a more active role in shielding their children from politicians and criminal groups seeking to recruit young people into political violence and other unlawful activities.

Speaking during a parents' meeting at Ober Boys High School in Rachuonyo East Sub-County, Homa Bay County, Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo said parents must closely monitor their children's behaviour, academic performance and social circles rather than leaving discipline solely to teachers and school administrators.

"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 PS warned that young people often bear the greatest consequences when they are manipulated into political violence, urging parents, teachers and community leaders to guide them towards education, skills development and productive economic activities.

His remarks come amid recent cases of student unrest reported in some schools across the country.

Dr. Omollo said the incidents underscored the need for closer collaboration between parents, teachers, students and school administrators in promoting discipline.

He commended Ober Boys High School students for maintaining discipline and encouraged them to remain focused on their studies.

"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 told the students.

The PS also highlighted the government's investments in the education sector, saying 100,000 teachers had been recruited over the past three years, with another 20,000 expected to be employed during the current financial year.

According to Dr. Omollo, Ober Boys High School currently has 32 Teachers Service Commission (TSC) teachers, 12 of whom were recruited during the past three years, which he said reflects efforts to address teacher shortages and improve the quality of education.

He added that more than 23,000 classrooms and 16,000 laboratories have been constructed nationwide to support the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), while calling on parents, alumni, elected leaders and local communities to complement government efforts by supporting school development.

Beyond education, Dr. Omollo said the government was investing in healthcare, roads and the blue economy, including the construction of fish landing sites in the region, some of which are already more than 50 per cent complete.

He reiterated the government's commitment to working with leaders and communities to sustain learner transition, strengthen discipline and ensure every young person has an opportunity to pursue education and contribute to national development.