Murang’a: Church leaders and education stakeholders in Murang’a have raised alarm over the recent wave of killings and have called on Kenyans to embrace national values. Led by the Bishop of the Catholic diocese of Murang’a, James Maria Wainaina, they condemned the killings, noting that they do not reflect the values of a nation that is continuously championing togetherness and unity.
According to Kenya News Agency, the leaders spoke during a thanksgiving mass at Kiharu Technical College Murang’a, where the institution’s college prayer and Service Charter were launched. Bishop Wainaina emphasized the need to embrace national values such as cohesion, tolerance, and unity to shape moral character and harness civic responsibility. He asserted that such values would contribute significantly to upholding respect for life and deterring violence, including sexual and gender-based violence, femicides, homicides, and other crimes against humanity.
Bishop Wainaina also urged heads of institutions to prioritize learners’ concerns and engage in dialogue to deescalate tensions amid school unrest. He highlighted the importance of listening to students and adhering to the Ministry of Education guidelines, especially during these challenging times marked by incidents such as school fires. The bishop called on parents, teachers, religious leaders, and school administrators to fulfill their responsibilities diligently and without compromise, emphasizing that learning institutions should nurture discipline and spiritual values alongside academic instruction.
Echoing similar sentiments, Kiharu Technical College Murang’a Director George Njau noted that while academic excellence is crucial, it is not sufficient on its own. He argued that spiritual wellbeing in schools fosters individuals with strong values, integrity, and a sense of purpose, which can act as a deterrent to social evils. Njau also emphasized the importance of young people embracing technical and vocational courses, urging parents to support their children in acquiring practical skills for employment and self-employment opportunities.
Kiharu Technical College Murang’a, established in 2014, has experienced significant growth from an initial cohort of 111 students to a current enrollment of over 3,000 learners. The college anticipates graduating more than 500 students this year, reflecting the increasing interest in technical education.
