Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo has called on parents, teachers, and community leaders to urgently address the rising threats of drug abuse, school dropouts, and exploitation among Kenyan children, warning that failure to act could endanger the nation’s future.
Speaking during the Chief’s Climate Action Day at Athi River Primary School, Dr. Omollo stressed the importance of collaborative efforts between government administrators, school leadership, parents’ associations, and religious institutions to keep children in school and safe from harmful influences.
“Our children are our greatest resource. We cannot afford to lose them to drugs, crime, or hopelessness,” he said. “Parents have sacrificed so much to keep them in school. As a government, we are committed to ensuring that every child not only attends school but is protected from all forms of exploitation.”
Dr. Omollo decried the increasing prevalence of drug and substance abuse, particularly in towns along major highways like Athi River, which he said exposes children and youth to criminal networks. He issued a stern warning to drug traffickers and rogue businesspeople, declaring that the government will not allow a generation to be destroyed for profit.
Highlighting the government’s community-level interventions, Dr. Omollo pledged intensified local actions through national government administrators to curb school dropouts and protect children from harmful environments.
The event also featured a symbolic tree planting ceremony, part of the nationwide Chief’s Climate Action Day, which supports President William Ruto’s ambitious plan to plant 15 billion trees by 2032. Dr. Omollo praised Machakos County for its outstanding participation in the initiative despite facing environmental challenges.
“We came here not just to plant trees, but to plant hope and restore dignity. Education and climate action go hand in hand because without a safe, educated generation, we cannot talk about sustainable development,” he said.
He further called on local industries in Machakos to invest in education and environmental initiatives, emphasizing that sustainable development requires active private sector participation.
The event brought together school leaders, county officials, chiefs, assistant chiefs, and representatives from Nacada and NDOC, demonstrating a united front in safeguarding Kenya’s children and environment.
