Church leaders and education stakeholders in Murang’a have raised alarm over the recent wave of killings and have called on Kenyans to embrace national values.
Led by the Bishop of the Catholic diocese of Murang’a, James Maria Wainaina they condemned the killings noting that they do not reflect the values of a nation that is continuously championing togetherness and unity.
They spoke during a thanksgiving mass at Kiharu technical college Murang’a where the institutions’ college prayer and Service charter were launched. “We need to embrace the national values of cohesion, tolerance, and unity to shape moral character and harness civic responsibility,” he said
“This will go a long way in upholding respect for life and shun violence of any form including sexual and or gender based violence, femicide, homicides among other crimes against humanity” he added
Bishop Wainaina also called on the heads of institutions to prioritize learners’ plight and turn to dialogue with the learners so as to deescalate tensions amid school unrest.
“We are in very precarious times where learners want to go home and we have even witnessed ugly scenes of school fires, let the head of institutions try and listen to these learners and act in line with the ministry of education guidelines”
“Parents, teachers, religious leaders and the school administrators entrusted with the responsibility of guiding the children must discharge these duties diligently and without compromise” Implored the bishop
Bishop Wainaina noted that learning institutions should not only be centres of academic instruction but also places where discipline and spiritual values are nurtured.
Echoing similar sentiments, Kiharu Technical College Murang’a Director George Njau observed that while academic excellence remains a prerequisite for success in life, it is not sufficient on its own. “Academic excellence alone is not enough, spiritual wellbeing in schools will produce individuals with strong values, integrity and a sense of purpose
“It will also act as a deterrent to the many social evils we are witnessing today as morally and spiritually nurtured learners are capable of making sound decisions, cope with life’s challenges and contribute positively to the growth and development of a society.
He also noted that more young people are increasingly embracing technical and vocational courses and urged parents to support their children as they seek to gain practical skills to enable them secure employment and create self – employment opportunities.
“Support your children as they seek knowledge and practical skills and guide them accordingly,” he said
Started in 2014 KTCM has grown tremendously from the first cohort of 111 students to the current enrollment of more than 3000 learners, with over 500 students expected to graduate this year.
By Florence Kinyua
