By M, KNA
Parents have been urged to remain vigilant and protect their children who are already at home as others continue to sit for national examinations.
Rachuonyo East Sub- County Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Charles Kitheka, called on parents to take full responsibility for their children during the long holiday, emphasizing the need for proper guidance and close supervision, especially of the girl child.
“When children are at home, they are in their parents’ hands. Be responsible and protect your children, especially the girls. Know where they are, who they are with, and what they are doing to avoid cases of teenage sex and early pregnancies,” he said.
Speaking to the media at his office, Kitheka warned that the government would take stern action against anyone found violating a child’s rights. He noted that early pregnancies destroy girls’ education dreams and expose them to the challenges of young motherhood.
The DCC directed chiefs and their assistants to monitor households and sensitize parents on child protection while engaging children in meaningful activities during the holiday.
“In case of any problem, report immediately to the relevant authorities,” he urged, adding that anyone caught preying on school-going girls will be arrested and prosecuted. “Defilement carries severe punishment, and we will not tolerate it.”
Kitheka encouraged parents to prioritize their children’s education and provide moral guidance to help them stay focused. “As parents, we know the value of education. Ensure your children are guided well so that next year they can return to school ready to continue learning,” he said.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring every child accesses education and urged parents to raise responsible and dependable future citizens.
“As parents, let’s be responsible and ensure our children are protected, guided, and supported in their education journey,” he emphasized.
The DCC also wished all candidates sitting for national examinations success, reaffirming the government’s dedication to maintaining the integrity of the assessment process.
He said the government is keen on ensuring the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) assessments are conducted smoothly and that learners acquire the necessary skills and competencies to empower them in future careers.
“With KPSEA, we don’t have security officers inside schools because it is an assessment. However, we have highly trusted and trained teams managing the process to ensure it runs smoothly and fairly,” he noted.
Kitheka added that security measures have been reinforced in secondary schools to ensure all KCSE examination centres have officers deployed to maintain a safe and conducive environment for candidates.
