- Busia County Education Board Chair Prof. Okumu Bigambo says weak parental involvement is undermining learner discipline and academic performance.
- He urges parents to work closely with schools instead of leaving all responsibilities to teachers.
- The education scholar calls for a united effort to restore academic excellence in the county.
Moi University Professor Okumu Bigambo, who also chairs the Busia County Education Board, has attributed the declining education standards in the county to inadequate parental involvement, saying schools cannot succeed without active support from families.
Speaking to Education News Digital, Prof. Bigambo said many school principals continue to face enormous challenges because some parents have abdicated their responsibility of guiding and mentoring their children, leaving schools to shoulder the burden alone.
The education scholar said that although teachers remain committed to delivering quality education, the lack of strong parental support has weakened efforts to nurture disciplined and responsible learners.
According to Prof. Bigambo, some parents have even defended children who violate school rules instead of working with teachers and school administrators to address disciplinary issues.
He warned that such actions undermine school leadership and create an environment where indiscipline thrives.
The Busia County Education Board chair estimated that parental negligence affects about 45 per cent of learners, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to the future of education in the county if left unchecked.
“Parents must appreciate that education is a shared responsibility. Teachers cannot successfully raise disciplined and academically successful learners without the active support of parents and guardians,” he said.
Shared responsibility
Prof. Bigambo challenged parents to become more involved in their children’s education by monitoring academic progress, attending school meetings, maintaining regular communication with teachers and providing moral guidance at home.
He observed that learners spend more time with their families than in school, making the home environment a critical pillar in shaping discipline, character and academic success.
The educationist also appealed to religious leaders, community elders, education stakeholders and elected leaders to complement government efforts by promoting values that encourage responsible parenting and respect for education.
He emphasised that improving education standards cannot be achieved by schools alone, saying every stakeholder has a role in ensuring learners receive the guidance and support necessary to excel.
Call to support local schools
Prof. Bigambo further urged parents to embrace local schools by actively participating in school programmes and supporting initiatives aimed at improving learning outcomes instead of leaving all responsibilities to teachers and school management.
He expressed optimism that Busia County can reverse the current trend if parents renew their commitment to their children’s education and work closely with schools.
“The future of our children depends on the decisions we make today. Parents, teachers, school boards, government agencies and the community must work together to create an environment that promotes discipline, hard work and academic excellence,” he told Education News Digital.
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He maintained that restoring parental responsibility remains one of the most effective strategies for improving education standards and preparing learners to contribute meaningfully to society.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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