Kerugoya: State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has raised concern over the increasing threats facing children and young people in society, warning that cases of missing children, drug abuse, and violence against minors are becoming alarming. Speaking during an education day at ACK Cathedral in Kerugoya, Kirinyaga County, the Principal Secretary strongly condemned incidents where children disappear after leaving home for school, terming the trend worrying and unacceptable.
According to Kenya News Agency, Muthoni called on social institutions, community leaders, and security agencies to treat matters involving missing children with the seriousness they deserve, saying every child has a right to safety and protection. She emphasized the need for collective vigilance among parents, teachers, religious leaders, and the community to ensure the safety of children. Muthoni also expressed concern over rising cases of drug and substance abuse among young people, highlighting the increasing vulnerability of even very young children to narcotics and other harmful substances.
She praised churches for their role in mentoring and educating young people and urged religious institutions to continue supporting government efforts aimed at protecting the youth. Muthoni defended the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), stating that the new education system is designed to nurture learners according to their talents, abilities, and interests, which helps reduce mental health challenges among learners by focusing on their strengths and needs.
The education day event provided a platform for government officials, teachers, parents, and church leaders to engage learners on issues affecting their lives and education. Muthoni noted that health officials educated students on hygiene, mental health, discipline, and dangers facing young people both in schools and within the community. She emphasized the importance of maintaining proper hygiene and protecting young people from harmful behavior to ensure they grow into productive members of society.
Additionally, a retired bishop, Daniel Munene Ngoru, condemned rising cases of violence and killings involving young people, stating that every human being has a right to live. He described it as heartbreaking for the country to continue witnessing children and youth losing their lives through acts of violence. Ngoru warned those involved in evil acts against children that they would be accountable before both God and society and urged parents to take greater responsibility in raising and protecting their children, describing them as blessings that should be nurtured with love, care, and guidance.
