Principal Secretary Interior Raymond Omollo has called on parents to take charge of their children during this school holiday.
The PS urged community involvement in education and youth mentorship, warning that rising cases of drug and substance abuse among young people pose a serious threat to Kenya’s future.
Speaking during the 29th Patron’s Award Ceremony at Utumishi Boys Academy, Omollo, urged students, parents and teachers to work together in nurturing responsible and disciplined citizens.
"It requires collective support from both of us to nurture our children to be responsible citizens. It is now time for parents, religious leaders and community to take charge as learners break for holidays," he said.
Dr. Omollo said the government continues to prioritize education as a key pillar of national development, noting that nearly 30 percent of the national budget is allocated to the sector.
According to him, the investment has supported major milestones over the past three years, including the recruitment of more than 100,000 teachers and the construction of over 23,000 classrooms across the country.
He also noted that the Competency-Based Education (CBE), which has been undergoing reforms since its rollout, has now been streamlined to provide greater clarity and stability for learners, teachers and parents.
“The Government has continued to prioritize education and youth development as a cornerstone of national transformation,” Dr. Omollo said, emphasizing that education remains the foundation for social mobility and economic growth.
However, the Principal Secretary warned that the progress made in the education sector could be undermined if young people fall into the trap of drug and substance abuse, which he described as one of the most pressing challenges facing the country.
“One of the biggest issues that we are struggling with is the issue of drug and substance abuse. Because of the great potential that you carry, please do not fall prey to drugs,” he told students during the ceremony.
Dr. Omollo urged learners to remain vigilant about negative peer influence and to make choices that safeguard their future.
“Look out for the kind of friends that you make. Try to keep away from drugs and substance abuse. The choices you make today will determine the future you have tomorrow,” he added.
He cautioned that involvement in drugs could permanently derail young people’s ambitions and prevent them from contributing meaningfully to national development.
“If you do not stay away from drugs, you may never have an opportunity for us to come and celebrate you, or to contribute positively to the development of this country,” he warned.
Calling for stronger community responsibility in education, Dr. Omollo urged parents to extend their support beyond their own children and embrace a collective approach to mentorship.
“By being part of this school, you are not just a parent to your child, but a parent to all these students,” he said.
