Parents in Kwale county have been urged to remain vigilant during the long November/December holiday break to ensure the well-being and safety of their children.
Governor Fatuma Achani said parents must take active steps in guiding their children, who will be exposed more to external influences while on break from school.
Achani expressed concern that many children in the county are vulnerable to peer pressure and often feel the need to fit in, leading them astray.
The governor noted that young people, especially those left without structured activities or adult supervision, are more likely to be drawn into unproductive or harmful behavior.
“It is high time parents enhance their parental responsibility and take deliberate steps to safeguard their children’s future,” she said.
Achani’s remarks come at a time when the region has seen increasing challenges related to teen pregnancies, youth involvement in crime and drug abuse, both of which can have lasting consequences on the children’s future and the wider community.
The governor specifically encouraged parents to stay informed about their children’s whereabouts and social circles.
Achani said parents should foster open communication with their children, allowing them to feel comfortable discussing challenges they face or situations that make them uncomfortable.
She said that by building trust, parents can make it easier for their children to seek guidance rather than turning to wayward peers.
Governor Achani also advised parents to keep their children engaged in meaningful activities during the holiday, as a proactive measure to prevent idleness.
Achani called on community leaders, religious organizations, and local government authorities to work together in supporting the youth.
She suggested that community watch programs and youth mentorship initiatives could be instrumental in deterring young people from engaging in crime or drug abuse.
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Achani said the government alone cannot handle cases of drugs, crime and teen pregnancies adding that it requires a united community approach.
“As children take a break from their studies, a collaborative approach involving parents, schools, religious institutions, and community organizations can ensure that the holiday is both safe and enriching,” she said.
The county boss also urged youth to engage in sports, saying the activities are not only constructive but can also equip young people with essential life skills.
“It is crucial that we help our young people channel their energy into positive activities that build character, discipline, and a sense of responsibility,” said Achani.
The governor said her administration is making efforts to provide school bursaries for education and conducive sports facilities to help nurture skills and improve lives.
By Shaban Omar
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