Rampant cases of child neglect and school absenteeism have been reported in informal settlements within Murang’a Town, prompting calls for urgent parental involvement and stronger community action.
On Monday during the launch of the Children Service Month at Murang’a Law Courts, Chief Magistrate, Peter Ndwiga, expressed concern that many children especially from Mjini area are not attending school and often are found roaming in the streets.
The judicial officer observed that some parents deliberately withhold information when summoned to court and even evade probation officers.
“We must address the rising cases of child neglect through direct community engagement. Parents should take active responsibility in their children’s education and social welfare,” said Ndwiga.
“We intend to hold meetings with residents to sensitize them on the dangers of letting children roam the streets aimlessly,” he added.
Ndwiga also urged teachers to play a proactive role by identifying cases of absenteeism early and reporting them to relevant authorities.
He emphasized that teachers and local administrators should collaborate closely to ensure no child is denied his right to education and protection.
The chief magistrate affirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to upholding children’s rights through community engagement, enforcement of child protection laws, and closer cooperation among schools, parents, and government agencies.
A community leader, Iman Abdillahi Ali, of the Murang’a Muslim Community echoed the Chief Magistrate’s sentiments, blaming the crisis on rising parental neglect and moral decay.
He decried the trend where some parents spend their time in social joints while their children wander unsupervised.
“Some parents have abdicated their duties, leaving children to fend for themselves. We must restore the culture of responsibility, parents must provide not only food and shelter but also emotional and moral guidance,” Ali said.
He further urged faith leaders to use mosques and churches to educate families on child care and discipline.
On her part, Senior Resident Magistrate Amelea Okullo criticized local authorities who turn a blind eye to cases of child neglect, accusing them of extending unwarranted leniency to irresponsible parents.
“Saving the child must come first. Authorities who are aware of neglect cases but choose to protect parents are failing in their duty. The law is clear, every child deserves care, education, and protection,” Okullo stated.
The event was part of the Judiciary’s initiative to mark November as the National Children Service Month, themed “Securing Justice for Every Child: Enhancing multi-agency collaboration, increasing budgetary allocation to combat child abuse.”
The program aims to promote child-friendly justice and strengthen coordination among stakeholders to protect vulnerable children, especially those in conflict with the law or in need of care.
By Bernard Munyao and Catherine Kamunyo
