Narok County Commissioner Kipketich Letiatia has called on parents to take a more active role in their children’s upbringing, warning that inadequate parental supervision is contributing to rising cases of indiscipline and risky behaviour among young people.
Speaking during a public participation meeting in Kilgoris Town, Letiatia urged parents to maintain close relationships with their children as they grow, enabling them to provide guidance and instill positive values.
He noted that many cases of youth misconduct stem from parents assuming their children are mature enough to navigate life independently. According to the commissioner, such assumptions often expose young people to dangers including drug abuse, early pregnancies, and violent behaviour.
Letiatia cited the recent alleged arson incident at Utumishi Girls Academy, where students reportedly set fire to a dormitory, as an example of the growing challenges facing learners and society.
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He emphasized that parental involvement remains critical in shaping children’s character, promoting discipline, and helping them resist negative peer influence. He said regular communication, guidance, and supervision can significantly reduce cases of misconduct among young people.
The commissioner also called for stronger collaboration between parents and teachers, urging them to maintain regular communication beyond school fee reminders and official visiting days.
He encouraged parents and teachers to make occasional follow-up calls, including during weekends, to strengthen the relationship between the parent, learner, and teacher.
To enhance safety in schools, Letiatia proposed the installation of high-quality CCTV surveillance systems at strategic points within learning institutions. He suggested that the monitoring systems be linked to key personnel, including security guards, marshals, and teachers on duty, to improve oversight and early detection of potential security threats.
He observed that school principals, deputies, and senior teachers are often overwhelmed by administrative responsibilities, making it difficult to effectively monitor all aspects of school management.
“School leaders should delegate responsibilities appropriately to ease administrative pressure and improve efficiency in managing institutions,” he said.
At the same time, Letiatia challenged religious organizations to strengthen youth-focused programmes aimed at nurturing responsible and morally upright citizens.
He said churches play a vital role in teaching values such as discipline, respect for authority, honesty, hard work, and the importance of education, which are essential for both the academic success and personal development of young people.
By Enock Okong’o
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