Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has urged parents, school administrators, community leaders, and security agencies to unite in enhancing education quality and combating the rising drug and substance abuse in academic institutions.
Murkomen highlighted education as a crucial tool for social transformation, calling on leaders to prioritize development initiatives that directly benefit communities.
Speaking on Saturday during the inauguration of 10 new classrooms at Sergoit Primary School in Elgeiyo Marakwet, the cabinet secretary delivered his message.
The official also unveiled a tuition block at Sergoit Comprehensive School and participated in celebrations marking the institution’s 70th anniversary alongside students, teachers, and local residents.
Murkomen expressed concern over escalating drug and alcohol consumption among students, advocating for strengthened collaboration between educational institutions and government authorities to safeguard pupils.
“I urge parents to take charge of monitoring their children’s academic performance. I also instruct National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) to collaborate closely with school management to maintain drug-free and alcohol-free campuses,” he stated.
The cabinet secretary underscored that addressing the drug crisis requires more than just teachers and security personnel, emphasizing that parents and communities must remain watchful and actively contribute to maintaining discipline among students.
Murkomen instructed county commissioners to submit periodic reports regarding the ongoing anti-drug operations and cautioned that severe measures would be enforced against individuals caught providing narcotics or alcoholic beverages to students.
“Any educator discovered selling substances to students will face arrest and immediate termination,” the cabinet secretary warned.
He encouraged teachers to partner with local officials and law enforcement agencies to identify and report individuals engaged in the illicit drug trade targeting schools.
Murkomen additionally highlighted the importance of fair distribution of teaching staff across counties and schools, noting that balanced staffing is essential for enhancing educational quality and ensuring equal opportunities for learners nationwide.
“We must guarantee that all schools have sufficient teaching personnel to enable children throughout the country to have equal chances to succeed,” he emphasized.
The cabinet secretary also motivated residents to continue registering for national identity cards, explaining that the document is vital for citizens to access government services and fully engage in national development initiatives.
Simultaneously, Murkomen criticized opposition leaders, accusing them of lacking a clear development vision and instead concentrating on divisive political strategies.
He commended President William Ruto’s administration for what he described as the fair allocation of development projects and enhanced service delivery across the nation.
“Leadership should concentrate on addressing challenges facing citizens and improving livelihoods rather than continuous political conflicts,” he stated.
Among the leaders attending the event were Uasin Gishu Governor Wisley Rotich, his deputy Evans Kapkea, Elgeiyo Marakwet Senator William Kisang, Women Representative Caroline Ngelechei, Keiyo North MP Adams Kipsanai, and Moiben MP Phyllis Bartoo.