Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a has called on parents, teachers and the wider society to play a more active role in guiding young people amid growing concerns over student unrest, school fires and indiscipline in learning institutions.

Speaking during the issuance of bursaries to students in TVET institutions, colleges and universities, the MP said recent incidents of school strikes should prompt parents to have honest and regular conversations with their children.

Ng’ang’a expressed concern over the increasing number of students being sent home due to strikes and acts of arson in schools, saying parents must become more involved in understanding the challenges facing their children.

“Many of our children have been sent home because of school unrest. I appeal to parents to speak to their children. Parenting today is very different from what it was in the past. Years ago, discipline often involved punishment, but today we need candid conversations to understand where the problem lies,” she said.

She emphasised the devastating consequences of school fires and unrest, particularly for families who lose loved ones or whose children end up facing criminal charges.

“Imagine receiving a phone call informing you that your child has died in a school fire after fellow students set a dormitory ablaze while others were asleep. The pain would be unbearable. Now imagine being called to school because your child was among those who started the fire that killed fellow students and is being taken to prison. That is the kind of pain that can destroy a parent,” she said.

The MP encouraged parents to listen to their children without judgment and seek professional help whenever they notice signs of emotional distress.

“If you discover your child is struggling, look for a therapist, a trusted relative or a role model they admire and allow them to talk. Listening to children can make a huge difference,” she said.

She also challenged school administrators to strengthen counseling services and ensure learners receive support whenever behavioral changes are noticed.

“As teachers, when you notice a learner’s behaviour changing, refer them for counseling and therapy. We must find lasting solutions to this challenge,” she added.

Ng’ang’a noted that her office had recently issued bursaries to secondary school and special school students, benefiting approximately 15,000 learners, before extending the support to students in tertiary institutions.

“Two weeks ago, I issued bursaries to students in secondary and special schools. Today, we have come to support students in TVETs, colleges and universities after receiving about 3,000 applications from learners in tertiary institutions,” she said.

The MP revealed that a total of KSh17.73 million had been disbursed, with each beneficiary receiving KSh. 6,000 regardless of their background.

“Our purpose is to boost the education of our children. Every student has received the same amount without discrimination,” she said.

Kiambu Senatorial aspirant John Mwaura Kogi, popularly known as “Kogi Investor”, said education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and bridging social inequalities.

“Education is the greatest equaliser regardless of a person's social status, background or region. We must all support education because no parent wishes to see their child suffer or engage in wrongdoing,” he said.

Kogi argued that the rise in school unrest reflects broader societal behaviour, with children often imitating what they observe from adults.

“We are raising a very sensitive generation. What we are witnessing in our schools today is a reflection of society. Children are copying us, the adults,” he said.

He pointed to violent demonstrations, destruction of property and other forms of unrest witnessed in society as examples that influence young minds.

“When adults go on demonstrations and destroy property, burn vehicles and businesses and engage in violence, children are watching. That is why when disagreements arise in school, some students respond by burning dormitories and classrooms because they have learned that behavior from society,” he said.

Kogi called for a shift towards peaceful demonstrations and responsible conduct by adults to provide a positive example for young people.

“We need to change how we protest in this country and show our children that it is possible to express dissatisfaction peacefully without violence or destruction,” he said.

He further urged parents to create more time for their children and build stronger relationships through open communication.

“Many parents do not truly know their children. We need to sit down with them, understand what is troubling them and guide them through their challenges with love. When we do that, we will raise a more responsible and upright generation,” he said.

“It is painful for parents who have lost children in school tragedies. It is equally painful to see your child facing criminal charges. Let us transform that pain into joy by helping our children excel in education and in life.”

Thika West Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) James Wanyoike said parents have a responsibility to guide their children and ensure they remain focused on their education.

“We are facing many challenges related to school strikes. Parents must guide their children so that when they go to school, they focus on learning and achieving their goals,” he said.

He warned against situations where parents invest heavily in education only for learners to engage in destructive activities that result in injuries, destruction of property or criminal prosecution.

Sub-County Director of Education Maurice Sifuna challenged students to take advantage of the opportunity to learn and remain disciplined throughout their academic journey.

“I want to encourage students to do their best when given the opportunity to learn. Maintain discipline, earn your certificates and achieve good grades that will provide a strong foundation for your future,” he said.

The leaders unanimously agreed that addressing school unrest will require stronger parental involvement, improved counseling services, positive role models and collective efforts from families, schools and society to nurture responsible and disciplined learners.