- Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen says growing parental disengagement is contributing to rising cases of indiscipline in schools.
- He argues that many teachers are increasingly expected to perform parenting and mentorship roles traditionally handled by families.
- The CS has called for stronger parental involvement, family values and support from religious institutions.
By Kithinji Njeru
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has raised concerns over what he termed growing parental disengagement, saying many teachers today are young educators who are themselves navigating early family responsibilities while also being expected to mentor and guide learners from increasingly absent homes.
Speaking on Sunday at AIC Plainsview South B Church, Murkomen linked rising cases of indiscipline in schools to what he described as a breakdown in parental responsibility.
He warned that society is increasingly shifting the burden of child upbringing to schools and teachers.
Teachers Facing Growing Expectations
The CS noted that many parents are failing to spend adequate time with their children, instead expecting schools to fully assume disciplinary and mentorship roles.
“Parents should ask themselves whether they are doing to their children what was done to them. Part of the problem we are experiencing today is the failure of current parents to create time for their children,” he said.
Murkomen further argued that the teaching profession has changed significantly, with many educators now belonging to a younger generation facing their own social and economic pressures.
“Parents still assume that current teachers are the same as old teachers. These are Gen Z teachers; you have left your children to Gen Z teachers to raise fellow Gen Zs, yet you do not want your children to be punished,” he said.
Impact on School Discipline
According to Murkomen, this situation has contributed to a more cautious approach among teachers, with many opting to focus strictly on classroom instruction rather than discipline or mentorship due to increased scrutiny and resistance to punitive measures.
He said the shift has weakened traditional school mentorship structures and created gaps in character development among learners.
Call for Family and Church Support
The Cabinet Secretary called for renewed emphasis on parental involvement, stronger family structures and support from religious institutions.
He maintained that meaningful change must begin at home.
“The solution lies in responsible parenting and the church,” he emphasised.
Murkomen’s remarks come amid ongoing national debate over student discipline, school unrest and the evolving role of teachers in a rapidly changing social environment.
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Education stakeholders continue to examine how schools, families and communities can work together to strengthen learner discipline and character development.
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