- Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has urged learners to embrace dialogue, responsibility and peaceful conflict resolution.
- The CS condemned school unrest, arson and destruction of property, saying such actions disrupt learning and endanger lives.
- He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to Competency-Based Education and greater investment in technology and innovation.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has called on students, teachers, parents and other education stakeholders to work together to ensure that schools remain safe, peaceful and conducive environments for learning.
Speaking during the Prize-Giving Day ceremony at Friends Gianchere Secondary School in Kisii County, the CS expressed concern over recent incidents of unrest reported in some schools across the country.
He noted that while only a small number of learners are involved, such incidents have raised concern among parents, educators and the public because they undermine the core purpose of education.
Migos condemned acts of arson, destruction of school property and other forms of indiscipline, saying they have no place in institutions of learning.
He observed that such actions endanger lives, disrupt learning and destroy facilities developed through the sacrifices of parents and taxpayers.
“We must remain united in ensuring that our schools remain safe, peaceful and conducive environments for learning. Whenever challenges arise, learners should choose dialogue over confrontation, consultation over conflict and responsibility over destruction,” he said.
Leadership and Responsibility
The CS reminded students that true leadership is demonstrated through wisdom, self-control and the ability to resolve differences peacefully rather than through violence or defiance.
He encouraged learners to have the courage to stand for what is right even when others choose the wrong path.
Migos also lauded Friends Gianchere Secondary School for its remarkable growth since its establishment in 1969 by the Friends African Missionaries.
The institution, which started modestly, has grown into a vibrant educational complex serving both mainstream learners and learners with hearing impairments.
He noted that the school’s journey reflects vision, commitment and strong community support, while highlighting the important role faith-based organizations continue to play in expanding access to education in Kenya.
The CS praised the school’s academic progress, noting that its mean score has improved significantly from 2.8 in 2014 to over 6.2 in recent years.
He attributed the success to visionary leadership, dedicated teachers, supportive parents and disciplined learners committed to academic excellence.
At the same time, he cautioned students against negative influences, particularly those spread through social media and digital platforms.
He urged learners to use technology responsibly and avoid misinformation, peer pressure and other distractions that could derail their educational goals.
Role of Teachers and Parents
To teachers, Migos expressed appreciation for their role as educators, mentors and counsellors.
He encouraged them to strengthen guidance and counselling programmes and maintain open communication with students so that challenges can be addressed before they escalate.
He also challenged parents and guardians to remain actively involved in their children’s education, emphasizing that values such as honesty, respect, integrity, responsibility and self-discipline are first nurtured at home.
The CS further called upon religious leaders, sponsors, community leaders and other stakeholders to support schools in addressing challenges such as drug and substance abuse, negative peer influence and other social pressures affecting learners.
Commitment to Education Reforms
On education reforms, Migos reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the successful implementation of Competency-Based Education (CBE), saying the system is designed to equip learners with the skills, knowledge and values needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
He commended Friends Gianchere Secondary School for embracing technology and innovation and welcomed the school’s plans to strengthen its ICT infrastructure.
Migos revealed that the Ministry of Education will engage the institution on its request to establish a modern ICT laboratory as part of efforts to enhance digital learning under the Competency-Based Education framework.
He said investment in technology is critical in preparing learners for opportunities in the digital age and supporting the school’s ambition of becoming a centre of excellence in innovation and twenty-first-century learning.
The CS also praised the institution’s achievements in sports, music and other co-curricular activities, noting that education should nurture well-rounded learners by promoting leadership, teamwork, creativity, confidence and resilience alongside academic excellence.
Migos challenged learners to dream big, work hard and remain disciplined.
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He urged them to respect their parents and teachers, avoid drugs and substance abuse, use technology responsibly and remain focused on their future.
“The future belongs to those who prepare for it, and that preparation begins with the choices you make every day,” he said.
By Elizabeth Angira
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