The Government has launched a comprehensive Training Manual aimed at nurturing national values in children and youth.
The move is designed to strengthen the moral fabric of the country and empower families to instill principles that underpin Kenya’s Constitution.
The launch, held at Kenya Railways Headquarters on Thursday was officiated by Dr. Aurelia Rono, Principal Secretary, State Department for Parliamentary Affairs.
The PS said the manual seeks to equip families and communities with practical tools to instill constitutional values in children and youth.
“It is my distinct honor to launch the Training Manual for Nurturing National Values in Children and Youth. This initiative marks a major step in guiding parents and caregivers to nurture character, integrity, patriotism, and social responsibility among the younger generation,” said Dr. Rono.
She highlighted the constitutional foundation for national values, noting that Article 4 (2) establishes Kenya as a multiparty democratic state founded on national values and principles of governance.
Article 10(1), she added, binds all state organs, public officers, and citizens to uphold these values in interpreting the Constitution, enacting laws, and implementing policies.
The PS emphasized the family as the primary institution for value formation, referencing Sessional Paper No. 8 of 2013 on National Values and Principles of Governance, which identifies parents and guardians as central to nurturing responsible, productive citizens.
She added that the manual was developed through a consultative and inclusive process, aligning with the Constitution, Kenya Vision 2030, and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“This is not merely a government publication, it is a national call to action for every parent, educator, and community leader to actively shape a morally upright and cohesive society,” Dr. Rono said.
“Many young people are growing up without the positive attitudes, moral grounding, and social competencies required to become responsible citizens and future leaders. This Training Manual therefore serves a clear purpose to build the capacity of parents and caregivers to inculcate national values in children and youth,” she said.
Dr. Rono underscored the family as the primary institution for value formation, referencing Sessional Paper No. 8 of 2013 on National Values and Principles of Governance, which identifies parents and guardians as central to nurturing responsible, productive citizens.
“The Government has taken deliberate steps to strengthen this responsibility. Through the Directorate of National Cohesion and Values, the State Department for National Government Coordination is mandated to spearhead the promotion of national values and principles of governance,” she added.
Dr. Rono highlighted that the manual provides practical strategies that families can adopt to nurture character, integrity, and patriotism within homes and communities.
“It invites every parent, educator, and community leader to take part in shaping a morally upright and cohesive society. Let us all embrace this tool and use it to guide our interactions with the youth for in doing so, we secure the future of Kenya,” Dr. Rono said.
George Sikulu, CEO of the National Parents Association, said the association had actively participated in the first Training of Trainers (TOT) on value inculcation.
“I attended the course personally and learned how precisely values are defined within the Constitution. Using our framework, with parents associations in every school reaching almost eight million homes, we will take this initiative further,” Sikulu said.
Martha Mugi, Vice Chair of Nairobi County Parents Association, highlighted the importance of starting value inculcation at home.
“We actually have 17 values in our Constitution that can be actioned at home. This initiative empowers parents to instill values from an early age, helping children distinguish right from wrong,” Mugi said.
The launch reflects the Government’s commitment to reinforcing family as the cornerstone of social order, national cohesion, and sustainable development. By equipping parents with knowledge and practical tools, the initiative seeks to foster a generation that is socially responsible, patriotic, and actively engaged in Kenya’s socio-cultural, economic, and political transformation.
by Naif Rashid & Darlene Kuria
