Busia County: Parents in Busia County have been criticized for contributing to poor academic results across the county due to high levels of irresponsible parenthood and a lackadaisical attitude. This behavior has left school principals with minimal support in improving the education status of learners.
According to Kenya News Agency, during a Subcounty education day at Nyakwaka Girls in Funyula constituency, Prof. Okumu Bigambo, who attended as the guest speaker, faulted parents for encouraging rebellious behavior among learners. This has resulted in the entire county producing only three A grades in the previous year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). Prof. Bigambo warned of the potential emergence of a generation inclined towards delinquency if parental negligence, currently at 45% in Busia, is not addressed.
Prof. Bigambo emphasized the need for a dialogue among Busia parents to tackle this issue, which has negatively impacted national exam grades. He called upon all stakeholders from Busia to return and devise a strategy to address the educational challenges. Prof. Bigambo also criticized parents for engaging in activities that destabilize schools, rather than supporting them.
The concerns were echoed by area MP Dr. Oundo Mundenyo, who highlighted the impact of parental negligence on education quality, leading to poor results and increased school dropouts. Dr. Oundo urged administrators and security personnel to curb “disco-matanga” events, which he claimed undermine educational progress in the county.
Dr. Oundo lamented the county’s reputation for gender-based violence and crime, contrasting it with its past achievements in education. He noted the high number of school dropouts due to teenage pregnancies and the influence of “disco-matanga,” a tradition unique to Busia. He stressed the importance of cooperation to achieve better educational outcomes and announced the launch of a Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) to ensure all learners, including those with disabilities, access basic education.
The subcounty education day focused on the theme of effective and responsible parenting for quality education. The role of parents as crucial partners in the education process was emphasized, with a call for active engagement in their children’s education.
Samia Subcounty education director Susan Mitei urged parents to monitor their children’s progress, establish a strong foundation, and instill discipline and values for successful collaboration in schools. Despite some improvements in KCSE results, challenges remain, particularly in mathematics, chemistry, and biology, which have been the worst-performing subjects for three years in a row.
Dr. Oundo used the event to announce the distribution of 42 million in bursary cheques to support needy but bright learners in Busia County.