Murang’a south: In response to the high absenteeism rates among students in Murang’a South, the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) has issued a strong call to parents to ensure their children attend school regularly. During the Mashujaa Day celebrations held at Mangoto Primary School, the DCC discussed the critical impact of education on children’s futures and community development.
According to Kenya News Agency, the DCC, Gitonga Murungi, emphasized the detrimental effects of absenteeism on student performance and called for increased parental involvement and cooperation with schools. He highlighted the disturbing trend of students being sent home during school hours to collect lunch money, a practice he denounced. Murungi appealed to parents to fulfill their commitments to school lunch programs to prevent children from missing valuable classroom time.
Furthermore, Murungi addressed broader social issues impacting student attendance, including the challenges posed by illicit brews and substance abuse in the
area. He urged the community to collaborate with the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) to combat these vices, particularly in the underdeveloped Kangangu area, which he identified as being severely affected.
The DCC also warned against theft and trespassing in nearby agricultural firms, which he noted were common in the region. He stressed the importance of adopting lawful and productive means of livelihood to prevent legal consequences for the community’s youth.
Evelyne Miringu, the Sub County Children’s Officer, supported the DCC’s message, outlining the efforts made by local authorities to ensure that all children receive education. She shared a recent success story where intervention by her department and the NGAO helped reintegrate children into school after a parent initially failed to enroll them.
Miringu concluded by urging parents to meet the basic needs of their children, thereby reducing truancy and the likelihood of engaging in antisocial behavior. The local administration rema
ins committed to fostering an environment where education is prioritized and accessible to all children in Murang’a South.
