President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday evening sent a passionate appeal to parents across the country.
The Head of State appealed to parents to develop an open-minded view of the country's education system which only appears to have been left solely in the hands of government and teachers.
Speaking during the opening of the Catholic Schools Principals Association Conference, Kenyatta stated that his administration recognizes the education as a critical part in the chain of creating the human capital required to fully realize the country's development agenda.
[caption caption="President Kenyatta greets the Catholic Principals' Association officials(PHOTO/COURTESY)"]
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He urged parents to make a hearty effort in helping teachers and the government in nurturing learners instead of simply sending their children to school.
"Parents should not see schools as institutional foster parents, a place to “dump” their children and have others raise them. Parents should take an active interest in all facets of their child’s school life and school administration should encourage & facilitate this active interest," appealed President Kenyatta.
He further indicated that: "Education is not a role limited only to Government and the teaching fraternity. Engagement with parents and students goes a long way in unlocking disputes and releasing tensions that understandably build up in the micro-communities that are our schools."
He has also ordered the Teachers Service Commission to review the delocalization of the workforce in the Ministry of Education directing that TSC ensures families are not affected by transfers.
The president's appeal comes at a time the level of discipline among school going kids has become a concern with experts in the sector blaming it on lack of active parental involvement in learner development.
A number of schools closed down in July after unrests that saw property as dormitories destroyed by student fires in some of the institutions.
The Ministry of Education has in recent days made strides towards allowing students to spend more time with their parents.
Such measures such as the incorporation of day school facilities in National Schools and extension of the half term durations have been partially implemented even though attracting sharp criticism from parents and other stakeholders.
On Tuesday, Education CS Amina Mohamed announced that primary schools will be allowed a five-days half-term break to allow pupils and teachers to rest.
[caption caption="President Kenyatta addresses the Catholic Principals' Association conference(PHOTO/COURTESY)"]
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