Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Dr Eddyson Nyale has warned parents and guardians that they will be held accountable if their children are found engaging in substance abuse, loitering, or other forms of delinquent behaviour during the ongoing long school holiday.
Speaking at Comido School in Huruma Estate, Eldoret City, during a prayer day and pre-school graduation ceremony, Dr Nyale said the government would not hesitate to take legal action against parents who neglect their responsibilities.
He urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s activities and social circles to shield them from negative influences.
“I would like to encourage every parent and guardian to be keen on who their children interact with, know where they play, who their friends are, where they send them, and to have a clear understanding of their environment,” he said.
Effect of long holiday for learners
Dr Nyale noted that the lengthy holiday period often exposes children to individuals who may lure them into harmful behaviours, including the use of drugs, alcohol, and other substances.
“Some people might try to lure these children into bad behaviours such as early experimentation with drugs, alcohol and other substances that are harmful to their health. Parenting is a fundamental responsibility that cannot be abdicated to teachers alone or to the state,” he added.
Beyond child protection, the County Commissioner also encouraged young people who have attained the age of 18 to obtain national identity cards, register as voters, and apply for passports, describing these as important constitutional rights and civic responsibilities.
The call for parental vigilance was echoed by Comido School Director Bishop Boniface Simani, who appealed to parents to remain closely involved in their children’s lives throughout the holiday.
“We are handing over these children when they are safe and without injuries. We will be very happy as a school to see them again in January next year with no injuries and in the same good condition. Let them not be neglected at home,” Bishop Simani said.
He further urged parents to instil discipline and good behaviour in their children, warning that substance abuse can have lasting consequences, including disqualifying young people from employment and overseas opportunities where strict drug-testing policies are enforced.
Importance of passports for Kenyan learners
Meanwhile, Uasin Gishu Principal Immigration Officer Dorcas Okwayo emphasised the importance of early passport acquisition, particularly for learners in schools that offer international programmes.
She said parents and schools should work together to ensure children secure travel documents in advance to avoid missing out on educational opportunities abroad.
“Securing a child’s passport early ensures they are always eligible for unexpected international exchange programmes and school trips without any application delays and complications,” Okwayo advised.
