A crackdown on parents, who keep their children at home after being sent away from school over unpaid fees has commenced in Mitheru Ward, Muthambi Sub County.
This follows a directive issued by the Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner David Gitonga during the recent Madaraka Day celebrations.
Subsequently, local national government administrative officers including Chiefs and their assistants, as well as Assistant County Commissioners have launched an operation, aimed at ensuring that all school-going children remain in school.
Earlier on, the County Commissioner had urged parents to make every effort to keep their children in school, despite the prevailing economic challenges.
“Every parent should make the necessary effort, despite the tough economic times, to ensure their children remain in school by paying school fees on time. Parents who fail to do so risk legal action. There are many arrangements that can be made between parents and school administrations to ensure learners remain in school,” said Gitonga.
As part of the exercise, parents whose children have been absent from school were summoned by Mitheru Assistant County Commissioner Alice Kirumba Kirito for a consultative meeting, aimed at addressing the growing cases of truancy.
Following the day-long meeting held at her office, the parents committed themselves to settling school fee arrears and ensuring that their children return to school.
The administrators warned that parents who fail to attend the meeting would receive a second summon, after which further action may be taken.
“We have observed an increasing number of students, particularly in Ndumbini, who are not attending school. We called their parents to discuss the matter because the number continues to rise every day. We are also concerned about cases of teenage pregnancies, especially in day schools, and we want to ensure there are no children loitering in markets or other places instead of attending school,” said Kirito.
The Assistant County Commissioner noted that follow-up measures would be undertaken in collaboration with school administrations to ensure that the commitments made by parents are fulfilled.
She also urged parents to take full responsibility for their children’s education and welfare.
On his part, Ndumbini Sub-location Assistant Chief Eric Muriithi revealed that several students had remained out of school for extended periods with many reportedly spending their time at home, in trading centres, or even in bars.
“When questioned, the students say they were sent home because of unpaid school fees and that their parents have since made no effort to return them to school,” said Muriithi.
by Dickson Mwiti and Beatrice Mwende
