Bomet: Parents have been advised to remain close to their children during the long holidays and guide them accordingly to prevent them from engaging in vices. Bomet Ag. County Commissioner Reuben Ratemo noted that the onset of the long holiday this week presents a challenge for school-going children on how to spend their free time away from the school routine and this may expose them to various temptations that may ruin their lives.
According to Kenya News Agency, Ratemo emphasized that the end-of-year school holiday will last more than two months, with millions of children roaming freely in the estates and villages. If they are not well guided and closely monitored by their parents and guardians, they risk falling prey to bad company. Speaking at Kabugut primary school in Bomet central sub-county, Ratemo advised parents to provide adequate care to their children, warning against leaving them in the company or care of relatives and other people.
Ratemo stated, "This is not the time to send the children to stay with their aunties and uncles or grandparents who also have their own challenges to address. Parents should stay with their children and guide them accordingly." He observed that as children break from respective schools, where they spend most of the year with teachers and other students, it is a crucial time for parents to take time and understand their children, providing them with necessary psycho-social support.
He further noted, "Unfortunately, some parents do not want to stay with their children and have relinquished their parental responsibility to teachers so they are now worried that the children are flocking back home. On the contrary, parents should be happy and even take leave from their daily activities to take care of their children."
Ratemo highlighted that with the prevailing societal set-up laden with moral challenges, if young children are left on their own, there is a risk of exposing them to teen pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and drug abuse. He called upon the church to increase religious activities for the youth during the holidays to impart knowledge on responsible behavior. Additionally, he instructed national government administrative officials, including chiefs, to collaborate with community leaders and residents to ensure the security of the children.