Kihika: Protecting Children Is A Shared Responsibility

By Suleiman Mbatiah

There is an urgent need for stronger collaboration among families, schools, religious institutions and public agencies to protect children, as recent tragedies have underscored the need for a coordinated national approach to safety, discipline and wellbeing in learning institutions.

The appeal emerged during a memorial service in Gilgil for 16 students who died in the Utumishi Girls Senior School fire tragedy, where leaders, clergy, families and educators reflected on lessons from the disaster.

Governor Susan Kihika said the loss had devastated families and communities across the country while raising urgent questions about school safety standards, emergency preparedness and the broader social environment shaping young people’s behaviour.

“This tragedy reminds us that safety in our schools cannot be taken for granted,” she said, urging authorities and education stakeholders to strengthen safeguards that protect learners and prevent similar incidents nationwide.

She said parents entrust schools with their children’s welfare and expect them to learn in secure environments, adding that safety measures must extend beyond written policies and become part of everyday practice.

The Governor highlighted the importance of school infrastructure, emergency response plans, fire-fighting equipment, regular inspections and clear reporting systems, arguing that prevention requires consistent attention rather than reactive interventions after disasters occur.

She also urged parents to reinforce positive values at home, saying character development begins long before children enter the classroom and remains central to raising responsible, resilient and respectful members of society.

Kihika said growing cases of unrest and indiscipline in some institutions required serious reflection by leaders, educators and families, noting that behavioural challenges can disrupt learning and undermine efforts to create safe environments.

“This should concern every Kenyan,” she said, referring to reported incidents affecting schools and stressing that disruption in learning institutions carries consequences not only for students but also for communities and the education system.

According to the Governor, more than 80 schools and over 2,000 students have been affected by closures and disruptions linked to unrest, underscoring the scale of challenges facing educational institutions.

She said children often absorb lessons from the behaviour they observe around them, warning that repeated exposure to destructive ways of resolving disagreements may influence how some young people respond to conflict.

The governor called on political, religious, educational and community leaders to demonstrate restraint, responsibility and constructive engagement, arguing that adults must set examples that encourage peaceful conduct among younger generations.

She also advocated a national conversation involving parents, teachers, policymakers, religious leaders and young people to examine issues such as discipline, mental health, social influences and leadership in contemporary society.

“Protecting our children is a shared responsibility,” the governor said, emphasising collective accountability. She added that the most meaningful tribute to those lost would be safer schools, stronger families and a more responsible society.