By Jeff Kizzilah/ Digital Editor
The National Parents Association (NPA) has welcomed the Government’s commitment to addressing the growing challenges affecting learning institutions across the country, describing the proposed national stakeholder engagement process as a timely and necessary step towards restoring safety, discipline, and stability in schools.
Speaking on behalf of parents nationwide, National Parents Association Chairman Mr. Silas David Obuhatsa expressed strong support for the initiative announced by Education Cabinet Secretary Hon. Julius Ogamba, noting that Kenya has for years faced recurring cases of school fires, unrest, indiscipline, vandalism, insecurity, mental health concerns, and other emerging challenges that require collective action.
“The time has come for the country to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the root causes of school disasters and develop lasting solutions that will protect learners and strengthen the education system,” said Mr. Obuhatsa.
The Association emphasized that parents remain a critical pillar in the education sector and must be actively involved in discussions and decision-making processes concerning learner welfare, school management, discipline, and safety.
The NPA further noted that recent incidents, including the unfortunate disaster at Utumishi Academy, demonstrate the need for all stakeholders to work together in safeguarding schools rather than engaging in blame games before investigations are concluded.
According to the Association, responsibility for creating safe learning environments extends beyond the Government and includes the Ministry of Education, Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Boards of Management, school principals, teachers, teacher unions, school heads’ associations, parents, religious sponsors, security agencies, civil society organizations, development partners, local communities, and learners themselves.
The Association urged Kenyans to focus on collaboration and practical solutions whenever school tragedies occur, stressing that collective responsibility is key to preventing future incidents.
“NPA believes that concerns raised by politicians, civil society groups, religious leaders, and other stakeholders should always seek to strengthen and support the institutions responsible for managing education rather than undermine them,” Mr. Obuhatsa stated.
The Association welcomed the Government’s decision to fully involve parents in discussions on school safety, discipline, and management, terming it a major milestone in the history of stakeholder participation within Kenya’s education sector.
“We shall be there, and we shall be felt,” declared Mr. Obuhatsa, affirming the Association’s readiness to mobilize parents across the country to actively participate in the consultations.
The NPA has also appealed to the Ministry of Education to ensure that the Association is represented in the National Stakeholders Team that will eventually formulate recommendations on school safety and disaster prevention. The Association argues that parents constitute the largest stakeholder group in the education sector and therefore deserve meaningful representation whenever key decisions affecting learners are made.
To facilitate effective participation, the Association has already begun mobilizing its National, County, Sub-County, and School Parents Associations to gather views and recommendations from parents across the country.
Parents are being encouraged to attend stakeholder forums and contribute ideas on preventing school fires, unrests, vandalism, drug abuse, insecurity, and other challenges that continue to disrupt learning.
The National Parents Association reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Government, Ministry of Education, TSC, teacher unions, school administrators, religious organizations, communities, and learners in promoting safe, secure, disciplined, and child-friendly learning environments throughout Kenya.
As the country continues to reflect on the recent tragedy at Utumishi Academy, the Association extended its prayers and solidarity to the affected families, learners, and school community.
“We pray for strength, healing, comfort, and wisdom for all those affected and remain hopeful that the lessons learned will help build a safer and stronger education system for future generations,” the statement concluded.
