By Robert Mutasi 
Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Dr Eddyson Nyale has warned parents and guardians that they could face legal action if their children are found engaging in drug abuse, loitering or other harmful activities during the ongoing long school holiday.
Dr Nyale said parents have a legal and moral responsibility to monitor their children’s movements, friendships and activities to protect them from risks associated with drug and substance abuse, alcohol consumption and other forms of misconduct.
Speaking at Comido School in Huruma Estate, Eldoret City, during a prayer day and pre-school graduation ceremony, the county commissioner cautioned parents against leaving their children without proper supervision during the holiday.
“I would like to encourage every parent and guardian to be keen on who their children interact with, know where they play, who their friends are, and where they send them, and to have a clear understanding of their environment,” he said.
Dr Nyale warned that some individuals could exploit the lack of parental supervision to introduce children to harmful behaviours, including experimenting with drugs and alcohol.
“Parenting is a fundamental responsibility that cannot be abdicated to teachers alone or to the state,” he added.
He urged parents to remain actively involved in their children’s lives and ensure they spend the holiday in safe environments. He also cautioned that neglecting parental duties could expose children to exploitation, substance abuse and other dangers.
The commissioner further encouraged young people who have attained the age of 18 to apply for national identity cards, register as voters and obtain passports, describing the documents as important in exercising their rights and accessing opportunities.
Comido School Director Bishop Boniface Simani also appealed to parents to remain close to their children throughout the holiday and ensure their safety and well-being.
“We are handing over these children when they are safe and without injuries. We will be very happy as a school to see them again in January next year with no injuries and in the same good condition. Let them not be neglected at home,” Bishop Simani said.
The school director urged parents to instil discipline and discourage young people from engaging in drug and substance abuse, warning that such habits could limit their future opportunities.
He pointed out that some international recruitment programmes and employment opportunities enforce strict drug-testing requirements, meaning applicants who test positive for prohibited substances may be disqualified during medical examinations.
Bishop Simani called on families to guide children towards responsible behaviour and help them develop habits that would support their education and future careers.
Meanwhile, Uasin Gishu Principal Immigration Officer Dorcas Okwayo, who attended the ceremony, encouraged schools offering international programmes to work closely with parents to ensure learners acquire passports in good time.
Okwayo said early passport applications would help students take advantage of international exchange programmes, educational trips and other overseas opportunities without unnecessary delays.
“Securing a child’s passport early ensures they are always eligible for unexpected international exchange programs and school trips without any application delays and complications,” she advised.
Her remarks highlighted the importance of preparing learners for international educational opportunities while ensuring that parents remain involved in decisions affecting their children’s welfare and development.
The officials urged parents to use the long school holiday to strengthen family guidance, promote discipline and protect children from activities that could put their safety, health and future prospects at risk.