Interior PS calls for unity to tackle school dropouts, child exploitation

Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo has called on parents, teachers, and community leaders to come together to combat the rising number of school dropouts and threats facing children in the country.

Speaking at Athi River Primary School during the Chief’s Climate Action Day, Dr. Omollo warned that the future of the country was at risk if decisive action was not taken to protect children from early school leaving, drug abuse, and exploitation.

“Our children are our greatest resource. We cannot afford to lose them to drugs, crime, or hopelessness. Parents have sacrificed so much to keep them in school. As government, we are committed to ensuring that every child not only attends school but is protected from all forms of exploitation,” he said.

He urged national government administrators to partner with school leadership, parents’ associations, and religious groups to ensure children stay in school, adding that the Ministry will enhance interventions at the grassroots level.

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The PS also raised concern over the increased drug and substance abuse, particularly in highway towns such as Athi River, which he said expose young people to illegal activities.

“We will not allow a generation to be destroyed for profit,” he warned, adding that traffickers and unscrupulous businesspeople will face government action.

During the event, Dr. Omollo led a symbolic tree planting exercise as part of the Chief’s Climate Action Day – a monthly national initiative in line with President William Ruto’s target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.

He commended Machakos County for being among the top performers in the tree planting campaign despite environmental challenges.

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“We came here not just to plant trees, but to plant hope and restore dignity. Education and climate action go hand in hand because without a safe, educated generation, we cannot talk about sustainable development,” he said.

PS Omollo also appealed to industries in the area to support education and environmental programs, saying the private sector must invest in the communities where they operate.

The event was attended by officials from the county government, school leadership from Athi River Primary and Junior Secondary, local chiefs and assistant chiefs, and representatives from NACADA and NDOC.

By Brian Ndigo