- Residents of Kemera have expressed concern over what they describe as declining discipline and moral standards among young people in church.
- Church elders are calling for stronger guidance on dressing, punctuality and conduct during worship.
- Parents, teachers and church leaders have been urged to work together to strengthen values among the youth.
Residents of Kemera in Nyamira County have expressed concern over what they describe as declining moral standards among young people, warning that the trend is affecting the image of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the area.
Speaking during a community meeting in Kemera, elders and church members said they were concerned about the dressing, behaviour and attendance habits of some young people attending church services and other church-related functions.
They cited the wearing of transparent and short skirts by some girls, sagging trousers, and hairstyles they consider inconsistent with the doctrines and values of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Beyond dressing, residents also raised concerns about late attendance and the conduct of some young people on Sabbath mornings.
“Many of these youth leave home early, but instead of coming straight to church, they loiter along the roadside using their phones,” said elder Mary Moige.
“Some only arrive at church as late as 10:00 a.m. They stay for just two hours and by noon they are already leaving for home. This shows a lack of seriousness and respect for worship.”
Call for discipline
Elder Daniel Marando said the combination of inappropriate dressing and irregular attendance was eroding discipline and affecting the public image of the church.
“People outside judge the church by what they see in our youth. If they see our girls and boys dressing and behaving as though they are in entertainment venues, and arriving late for church, they will not take our preaching seriously. This affects both the character of the youth and the reputation of the church,” he said.
Residents argued that such trends are inconsistent with church teachings and are gradually eroding the moral fabric of young people.
They warned that if left unaddressed, the conduct could weaken the church’s role as a moral authority within the community.
“The church and its teachings are not meant to change to fit the world,” Moige added.
“When young people come to church dressed in transparent or tight clothing and treat worship casually, it distracts others and sends the wrong message about who we are as Adventists.”
Parents and teachers urged to help
The elders called on church leadership to strengthen teachings on Christian dressing, punctuality and appropriate conduct.
They also appealed to teachers in local schools to work closely with the church in helping learners understand the difference between behaviour expected in church and behaviour accepted in other settings.
“Teachers must help young people understand that what may be fashionable outside may not be appropriate in the house of God. Discipline starts early, and schools have an important role to play,” Moige said.
Residents emphasized that they are not opposed to modernity but maintained that modernization should not come at the expense of identity and moral values.
They further urged parents to take greater responsibility by monitoring what their children wear, where they go on Sabbath mornings and the influences they encounter online.
Preserving church values
Community members noted that the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kemera has historically been known for emphasizing modest dressing, punctuality and discipline.
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They expressed hope that renewed teaching and closer collaboration between the church, schools and parents would help restore those values and strengthen the church’s reputation within the community.
By Enock Okong’o
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