President William Ruto urged parents to take stronger responsibility for raising disciplined, responsible children. He warned that families cannot keep passing blame when young people get involved in wrongdoing.
Speaking on Sunday during the 37th edition of the Rhino Charge motorsport competition in Wamba, Ruto said character formation starts at home. He called on parents to mentor the younger generation more actively.
Ruto said he has grown concerned about the conduct of some children and youth in Kenya. He noted that recent incidents involving young people have sparked questions about how families shape values and behavior.
“We as parents must be concerned about our children, their well-being, their education, and mentorship. We see what is going on 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 said good parenting includes more than providing food, shelter, and other basic needs. He added that parents should also invest in their children’s education, guidance, and moral development.
He praised families that encourage children to take part in sports and other positive activities, saying these efforts help build discipline, develop talent, and reinforce 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 said.
The president implored parents nationwide to follow those examples and create environments that help young people grow and develop.
Ruto also used the occasion to reiterate his administration’s commitment to environmental conservation. He said he expects Kenya to reach its goal of planting one billion trees this year.
The president disclosed that the Integrated Natural Resource Secretariat is working on a policy framework to improve coordination between public and private institutions involved in environmental conservation.
As part of the plan, he announced a nationwide conservation exercise later this 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.
Ruto added that Kenya’s water towers continue to drive the country’s economy. He noted that they support sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, and clean energy production.
He said government evaluations estimate that the water towers generate about Sh600 billion each year.
“We do not just admire these forests; we depend on them because they touch every sector of our nation,” Ruto said.
