Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has sparked fresh debate after blaming parents for the growing wave of indiscipline in Kenyan schools, saying many have stepped back from their role in raising children.
Speaking on Sunday at a church service at AIC Plainsview South B Church, Murkomen said the problem could not be laid solely at the feet of teachers or government officials.
“Parents should ask themselves whether they are doing to their children what was done to them,” he said. “Part of the problem we are experiencing today is the failure of current parents to create time for their children.”
He added that many households had effectively outsourced parenting to technology. Children, he said, were increasingly being raised by phones and television rather than adults at home.
The remarks come amid rising concern in Kenya over student unrest and disciplinary breakdowns in some schools, with stakeholders frequently trading blame over responsibility.
Murkomen argued that teachers are often unfairly placed at the centre of the crisis. He said today’s educators are younger and cannot be expected to take on roles traditionally played by parents.
“The government cannot discipline your students; that is your responsibility,” he said. “You have left children to Gen Z teachers to raise fellow Gen Zs, yet you do not want your children to be punished.”
His comments are likely to reignite tensions between education officials and teachers’ unions, who have previously pushed back against claims that educators are responsible for broader societal parenting gaps.
Murkomen also addressed recent security concerns, insisting the country remains stable despite isolated incidents of disruption.
He pointed to an attack at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi during a post-budget dialogue forum, where a group of individuals disrupted proceedings. He confirmed that arrests had already been made following CCTV investigations.
“There was an unfortunate incident at All Saints Cathedral,” he said. “They were captured on CCTV, and the DCI have arrested a number of them, and we will take them to court.”
The Interior CS blamed such disruptions on criminal gangs, some of which he alleged were originally formed or encouraged by political actors.
He further announced plans to establish a Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit aimed at strengthening security in the capital, saying it would help address emerging urban threats.
“Our country is safe now and we have made great progress,” he said.
As the government pushes its security agenda, Murkomen’s remarks on parenting are expected to fuel a wider national conversation about discipline, responsibility, and the changing dynamics of Kenyan households.
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