NAIROBI, KENYA | OCTOBER 8, 2026
By Jeff Kizzilah Digital Editor
The National Chairman of the Parents Association (NPA), Mr. Silas David Obuhatsa, has called on parents, guardians, school leaders and Boards of Management across the country to support official Government health measures and avoid spreading unverified information concerning Ebola.
Mr. Obuhatsa said the issue of infectious disease prevention should not be politicised, stressing that the safety and wellbeing of children and communities must remain the priority.
“This is not a political matter. It is a public health and national responsibility matter. Our children’s lives and the wellbeing of every Kenyan must come first,” Mr. Obuhatsa said.
He urged parents to work closely with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education by promoting prevention, awareness, early reporting and responsible management of suspected infectious diseases.
According to the NPA Chairman, parents are a critical first line of information and protection for children at home, in schools and within communities.
He called on County, Sub-County and school-level Parents Association officials, together with Boards of Management, to ensure that parents receive accurate, timely and verified health information.
Mr. Obuhatsa warned against the circulation of rumours, unverified WhatsApp messages, social-media speculation and information from unofficial sources.
“PARENTS MUST BE PARTNERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH”
The NPA Chairman said parents have a responsibility to monitor their children’s wellbeing, encourage appropriate hygiene and preventive practices, report concerning symptoms through proper health channels and protect children from fear, misinformation and stigma.
He said the NPA’s nationwide network of parents provides an important platform for supporting public-health awareness and prevention efforts.
He encouraged every parent to follow three basic principles:
Listen to verified guidance.
Share accurate information.
Report concerns through the appropriate authorities.
APPEAL TO WAJIR RESIDENTS: REMAIN CALM AND RELY ON VERIFIED INFORMATION
Mr. Obuhatsa particularly appealed to parents and education stakeholders in Wajir County to remain calm and rely on official communication from the Government and health authorities.
He said where authorities have communicated that there is no confirmed Ebola case in Wajir County, such information should not be undermined by rumours or unverified reports.
He urged residents to allow health authorities to undertake surveillance, assessment and public communication based on evidence.
“Vigilance must not be confused with panic. Being alert means following official guidance and reporting concerns responsibly; it does not mean spreading unconfirmed claims,” he said.
MISINFORMATION CAN ALSO HURT CHILDREN
Mr. Obuhatsa cautioned that misinformation can have serious psychological and social consequences for children.
He said rumours may cause children to fear attending school, isolate themselves, stigmatise classmates or create unnecessary anxiety within families and communities.
The NPA Chairman therefore urged parents and education stakeholders to protect children not only from infectious diseases but also from the harmful effects of fear and misinformation.
SUPPORT FOR GOVERNMENT HEALTH MEASURES
Mr. Obuhatsa said the National Parents Association supports the public-health direction being provided by Hon. CS Aden Duale, the Government of Kenya, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, while calling for continued reliance on evidence-based health guidance.
He urged parents and school leaders to give health professionals the cooperation and space necessary to undertake surveillance and prevention activities.
“Let us reject attempts to turn a public health concern into a political confrontation. The safety of our children is bigger than politics. The health of Kenyans is bigger than political differences,” Mr. Obuhatsa said.
He called upon every parent, school leader, Board of Management and Parents Association representative to become an ambassador for truth, prevention, vigilance and responsible public-health communication.
“Together with the Government, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, we can protect our children, prevent unnecessary panic and ensure that our schools and communities remain safe, informed and resilient. Let us put the lives and safety of our children first.”
BY MR. SILAS DAVID OBUHATSA
National Chairman, Parents Association (NPA) – Ministry of Education
