By Fredrick Odiero
A trade unionist from Kisumu wants parents and guardians to supplement government efforts aimed at improving and developing education in the country.
Mr. Francis Wangara who is the secretary general of Kenya Union of Sugar Plantation Workers (KUSPAW) said the government alone cannot be bestowed with catering for the education sector.
The trade unionist, who is also a board member of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) said that things such as infrastructure and other facilities require concerted efforts from the community.
Mr. Wangara was speaking at Chulaimbo High school in Kisumu County during a funds drive for a dormitory.
He said parents should support school heads in order for them to have a conducive atmosphere for working.
Mr. Wangara who was accompanied by a former Nakuru District Commissioner Jonah Anguka advised students to shun hooliganism in institutions of learning.
“It is your parents who bear the responsibility of paying for the damage caused through unrests in schools,” he said.
During the funds drive Sh4.3 million was collected with COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli sending Sh500,000 through Wangara.
Earlier, Wangara advised youths to register as voters in large numbers to exercise their political right.
“Bad leaders are elected by those who fail to vote, when we come out and vote in large numbers we elect leaders of our choice,” Wangara said.
He expressed his disappointment in the low turnout of potential voters.
Wangara said Luo Nyanza has always recorded 68% voter turnout which he said was quite low.
He added that there is need for voter education especially in rural areas where most of the people are not aware of the existence of the ongoing voter registration exercise.
Wangara said people should not forget to observe distance, sanitize and wear masks even at the registration centers.
He further called on politicians to follow Covid-19 rules during political gatherings.
Wangara at the same time faulted employers who have refused to adhere to the minimum wage requirement as stipulated by law.
He singled out firms owned by foreigners like Chinese as the worst abusers of human rights.
Wangara said politicians have been blaming unions for the anomaly just as a mere campaign gimmickry.
He seized the opportunity to call for dialogue between the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) and stakeholders.
The official said it was the small man in the Jua-kali sector who stood to lose in the standoff.
