President William Ruto has called on parents to assume greater accountability for raising disciplined and responsible children, emphasizing that families cannot shift responsibility when young people engage in misconduct.
Speaking during the 37th annual Rhino Charge motorsport competition in Wamba, the President stated that character development begins at home and encouraged parents to take a more active role in mentoring the younger generation.
Ruto expressed concern over the behavior of some children and youth in the country, noting that recent incidents involving young people have raised questions about the role of families in shaping values and conduct.
“As parents, we must be concerned about our children, their well-being, their education and mentorship. We see what is happening in Kenya; some of our children do things that baffle many people, and we cannot afford to apportion blame that it is somebody else’s responsibility. It starts with us first and foremost, with us the parents,” he said.
The President indicated that parenting extends beyond providing food, shelter, and other basic needs, adding that parents must also invest in their children’s education, guidance, and moral development.
He commended families that encourage children to participate in sports and other positive activities, stating that such efforts help nurture discipline, talent, and good values.
“When I see these young children here and those who are racing in this sport, I say to the parents, ‘Congratulations; that is how to bring up a family and our children,'” Ruto stated.
He urged parents nationwide to follow such examples and create environments that support the growth and development of young people.
The President also used the event to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to environmental conservation, expressing confidence that Kenya will achieve its target of planting one billion trees this year.
Ruto revealed that the Integrated Natural Resource Secretariat is developing a policy framework aimed at improving coordination among public and private institutions involved in environmental conservation.
As part of the strategy, he announced plans for a nationwide environmental conservation exercise later in the year.
“We will be setting a date in September or October where we will have a national exercise that will contribute to environment conservation efforts,” he said.
The President noted that Kenya’s water towers remain critical to the country’s economy, supporting sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, and clean energy production.
According to government evaluations, the country’s water towers generate an estimated Sh600 billion annually.
“We do not merely admire these forests; we depend on them because they touch every sector of our nation,” Ruto said.