By Philemon Kiprop
Parents and learning institutions have been asked to ensure students use safe means of transport as they report back to school for second term.
Speaking to the media in Iten, Kenya Parents Association Elgeyo Marakwet Chapter Chairperson Joseph Kiprotich said students face a rough time while travelling back to school hence the need for safe means of travel that guarantee the safety of students.
Kiprotich argued that the current weather condition as well as the high cost of living can expose students to exploitation by matatu operators.
“Parents should ensure students use recognized Sacco buses,” he pointed out.
He decried the shortage of Public Service vehicles in various parts of the county saying the situation could pave way for unscrupulous and unlicensed operators.
He further argued that it’s important for parents to encourage their children to avoid using private vehicles owing to the rise of kidnapping incidents.
“As an association, we have written to schools asking them to allow their school buses be used in ferrying the learners during the school opening and closings,” he said.
Kiprotich called upon parents to closely follow the academic progress of their students as a way of performing their supervision role.
“Many parents have abdicated their responsibility of checking the performance of their children, a factor that had led to poor performance,” he explained.
On curriculum transition, the chairperson called on school principals to provide proper information to parents, adding that panic and fear has gripped the nation concerning the implementation of the Competency Based Curriculum.
