Children officers in Kisii County, led by Joseph Maticha, have raised concern over the growing cases of parental neglect, warning that parents who abandon their responsibilities risk arrest and prosecution for violating children’s rights.
The officers said an increasing number of parents are leaving their children in the care of house helps for extended periods, only to threaten legal action when problems arise. According to the officers, the trend is exposing children to abuse, poor moral guidance, and eventual vulnerability to life on the streets.
Maticha noted that many children are being raised without direct parental attention during their formative years, forcing them to seek identity and acceptance elsewhere. In many cases, he said, this search leads them to the streets, where they become exposed to crime, drugs, sexual abuse, and negative peer influence.
“A child who grows up without proper parental guidance is likely to struggle with discipline, education, and decision-making,” Maticha said, adding that school often becomes secondary to survival and social acceptance outside the home.
He warned that the effects of neglect extend beyond childhood, creating a cycle where neglected children grow into adults who are unable to effectively care for their own families, contributing to broken homes and rising crime in society.
ALSO READ:
TSC invites teachers who resigned, dismissed since 2018 to apply for benefits
His colleague, Janipher Buyaki, said the problem reflects a wider breakdown of traditional community values where raising a child was considered a collective responsibility.
“We have moved away from the old understanding that a child belonged to the whole village. Today, responsibility is being outsourced, often to the lowest bidder,” Buyaki said.
The officers acknowledged that in situations where one or both parents are absent due to death or other unavoidable circumstances, older siblings may take up caregiving responsibilities. However, they emphasized that such arrangements should be supervised by a responsible elder to ensure children receive proper guidance and protection.
The officers further revealed that they have launched a crackdown on individuals violating children’s rights in the county. They called on teachers, churches, and Nyumba Kumi groups to work closely with authorities in identifying and reporting cases of child neglect before affected children end up on the streets.
At the same time, the officers commended parents who employ older women as caregivers while they are at work, noting that elderly caretakers often provide better emotional, nutritional, psychological, and physical support to children.
The officers stressed that no maid or court process can replace the role of a present and caring parent, urging families to reclaim their responsibility in raising children with love, discipline, and guidance.
By Enock Okong’o
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
