Parents in Igembe North have been urged to prioritize their children’s education and take a more active role in addressing the growing neglect of the boy child during an Education Day held at KK Baithai Comprehensive School in Naathu Ward.
The event, led by area Member of Parliament (MP) Julius Taitumu, also marked the launch of a Sh69 million bursary fund aimed at supporting learners across the constituency. It brought together education stakeholders, administrators, religious leaders, and community members, all united in calling for renewed commitment to education as a foundation for social and economic progress.
Delivering the keynote address, Bishop Kaiga Munoru challenged parents to take full responsibility for their children’s education, warning that neglect could have lasting consequences on families and society. He emphasized that education equips children with knowledge, independence, and the ability to make informed life decisions.
“Seek knowledge so that you don’t become slaves of the educated,” Bishop Kaiga said, adding that educated children are better positioned to support their parents later in life, including meeting healthcare needs in old age.
Zoe Global South Organisation Chief Executive Officer Reagan Kaberia echoed the sentiments, describing education as a critical investment that yields long-term benefits. He urged parents to rethink their priorities and commit resources towards ensuring their children stay in school.
“If you don’t invest in your child’s education, you will have no returns,” he said, warning that communities risk falling behind if education is not given the attention it deserves.
Kaberia raised concern over what he termed the increasing neglect of the boy child, noting a worrying trend where boys are more likely to drop out of school or lack basic support compared to girls.
“Most street children are boys. Even in schools, boys are the ones in tattered clothes. Girls are being supported more, while boys are left behind,” he observed.
Mwerongundu Secondary School Principal Hezron Erai emphasized that parental neglect has contributed to rising dropout rates, despite ongoing improvements in school infrastructure and academic performance.
“Education is the only inheritance we can give our children,” he said. “We have made progress, including equipping schools with laboratories, but students can only benefit if they attend school consistently.”
Erai identified absenteeism as a major challenge in the region and urged parents to ensure their children attend classes regularly to maximize academic gains.
Data presented during the event highlighted a gender imbalance in school enrollment, with 663 girls compared to 483 boys, reinforcing concerns about declining participation among boys in education.
Mutuati Assistant County Commissioner Moses Kores warned that lack of parental guidance is contributing to social challenges such as teenage pregnancies and school dropouts. He called for closer collaboration between families, schools, and local administrators to address these issues.
Teachers’ representatives commended the area Lawmaker for expanding bursary support to day schools, which make up the majority of institutions in the area. They noted that the initiative has played a significant role in improving student retention and easing the financial burden on families.
In his address, the Member of Parliament reaffirmed his commitment to supporting education through bursaries and other initiatives, citing improved academic performance linked to increased funding and stability in schools.
“I can bring bursaries to schools, but I cannot bring learners to school. That responsibility lies with parents,” he said.
The Legislator revealed that 190 students are currently fully sponsored in secondary schools and encouraged parents to take advantage of available support to ensure their children remain in school.
Leaders also called for greater involvement of fathers in their children’s education, noting that absenteeism among male parents has contributed to the neglect of the boy child and erosion of social values.
They emphasized that the future of Igembe North depends on collective efforts by parents, leaders, and stakeholders to invest in education and ensure equal support for both boys and girls, paving the way for a balanced and prosperous society.
By Kamanja Maeria
