By:Farida Ali
Parents have been urged to take a more active role in raising their children by instilling strong moral values to help address the growing cases of indiscipline in schools, including incidents of students setting school buildings on fire.
Speaking during a baptism ceremony for young members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses on Saturday, the faith’s Coast Region Coordinator, Hagai Onyango, said the foundation of discipline is laid at home. He called on parents to spend more time with their children, provide proper guidance and nurture values such as respect, responsibility and integrity.
Onyango said teachers alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of addressing the declining moral standards among young people. He stressed that parents, religious leaders and the wider community must work together to raise a generation that respects the law, values human life and contributes positively to society.
He also encouraged communities to remain closely engaged with young people by offering mentorship and positive role models, warning that a lack of guidance leaves many vulnerable to negative influences and risky behaviour.
According to Onyango, the erosion of moral values has contributed to increasing crime and insecurity, with some people resorting to violence over minor disagreements or unverified allegations. He said strengthening spiritual and moral guidance within families and communities would help reduce indiscipline, promote peaceful coexistence and build a more responsible society.
