Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has attributed the increasing cases of school unrest across the country to what he described as a decline in parental involvement in the upbringing and moral guidance of children.
Speaking during a church service at AIC Plainsview South B Church, Murkomen said many parents are quick to blame schools, teachers and government institutions whenever incidents of indiscipline occur, yet they fail to examine their own role in shaping the behaviour of their children.
The CS argued that discipline begins at home and cannot be entirely delegated to schools or government agencies. According to him, parents must take greater responsibility in mentoring, guiding and monitoring their children if the country is to effectively address the growing challenge of student unrest.
Murkomen noted that modern lifestyles have left many parents with little time to engage their children, creating a gap that is increasingly being filled by technology and social media. He observed that many young people spend more time on smartphones, computers, television and online platforms than they do interacting with parents or guardians.
He warned that the growing influence of digital platforms, coupled with reduced supervision at home, has contributed to behavioural challenges among learners. The CS said children require consistent guidance and mentorship from parents to help them navigate social pressures and make responsible decisions.
The remarks come at a time when the country has witnessed a rise in cases of school unrest, including incidents involving destruction of property, violence and suspected arson attacks in learning institutions. The trend has raised concerns among education stakeholders, parents and government officials.
Murkomen also expressed concern over the declining role of faith-based and family-centred activities in nurturing children. He said practices such as attending Sunday school, family devotions and other moral instruction programmes have become less common compared to previous generations.
According to the CS, parents have increasingly shifted the responsibility of discipline to schools while simultaneously challenging the authority of teachers to enforce rules. He argued that this has weakened the ability of learning institutions to effectively guide learners and maintain discipline.
The Interior CS maintained that addressing school unrest requires a collective effort involving parents, teachers, religious institutions and government agencies. However, he stressed that the foundation of discipline must be established within the family setting.
He urged parents to dedicate more time to their children, engage them in meaningful conversations and provide moral direction, saying such efforts would play a critical role in addressing the indiscipline crisis currently affecting schools across the country.
Murkomen said lasting solutions will only be achieved when families reclaim their central role in raising responsible and disciplined citizens.
