Msambweni Deputy County Commissioner Josphat Mutisya has fervently called on parents in the region to prioritize their children’s education.
In a passionate address during the marking of International Day of Peace at the Mvindeni Social Hall in Kwale County, Mutisya emphasized that education is a critical pillar for the development of both individuals and the community at large.
He pointed out that the lack of proper education among young people has contributed to the alarming rise in criminal juvenile gangs in the area. Kwale County has been grappling with insecurity with youth as young as 9 years being the main perpetrators.
He noted that many parents have neglected their responsibility to ensure their children attend school regularly, which has led to an increase in idleness among the youth.
The idleness, according to Mutisya, is a breeding ground for criminal activities, teen marriages and pregnancies as idle minds are easily lured into gangs and other forms of criminal behaviour and social vices.
“Education is not just about reading and writing; it is the foundation of a better future. When we fail to educate our children, we are failing our community and our country,” he said, opining that it is the responsibility of every parent to ensure that their child goes to school, learns and grows up to be a responsible citizen.
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The local administrator said it is punishable by law if a parent denies their children equal educational rights, expressing a deep concern on parents marrying off their daughters at tender ages before realizing their life goals.
Mutisya said better education is the only way to success and effectively fight poverty and gender-based violence.
“Education is the key to unlocking the potential of the youth and building a prosperous future for Msambweni and the country at large,” he said.
The Deputy County Commissioner said that the government has made significant investments in the education sector to ensure that all children have access to quality education.
He cited the free primary education programme, which has been in place for years, and the recent rollout of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), as some of the measures the government has put in place to improve the quality of education in the country.
However, Mutisya lamented that despite these efforts, some parents still do not see the value of education.
He warned that such practices not only deny children their right to education but also perpetuate the cycle of poverty and underdevelopment.
Mutisya urged parents to change their mindset and embrace the importance of education, asking them to be proactive in ensuring that their children attend school regularly and to work closely with teachers and school administrators to monitor their children’s progress.
Mutisya also encouraged parents to instill discipline in their children and to guide them in making the right choices in life.
He stressed the urgent need for parents to engage with their children, especially those who have strayed into criminal activities.
He firmly stated that the government will not tolerate any disruptions to peace caused by young people involved in crime.
Mutisya urged parents to open lines of dialogue with their children, especially those who are part of or are being drawn into criminal gangs.
Mutisya acknowledged that the government is committed to maintaining peace and order and will take necessary actions to address criminal behaviour.
“We have a responsibility to ensure our communities are safe. While we understand that many of these young people are influenced by their environments, we must also recognize that accountability is essential,” he said.
By Shaban Omar
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