BY SHABAN OMAR
Kwale parents have been warned against prioritizing luxury spending instead of their children’s education.
Msambweni Deputy County Commissioner Josephat Mutisyo expressed concern that parents, especially women can spend over sh7, 000 on new wedding attires every weekend but fail to address essential educational needs.
“I am concerned that while parents manage to afford high-cost clothing for social events, many children are unable to attend school due to unpaid fees,” he said.
Mutisyo said it doesn’t make sense that parents always complain of a lack of money but each wedding they are seen donning in new expensive clothes famously known as deras.
He urged the community to reassess their spending habits to ensure that education is given the priority it deserves.
The DCC emphasized that such behaviour will not be tolerated and warned that parents whose children are found out of school due to unpaid fees will face stern legal consequences.
He underscored that education is a constitutional right for every child, and it is essential for their future.
“Take your children to school because we will be conducting our investigations. If your children are found on the streets while you attend every wedding, you will have a case to answer,” he said.
He added that the vice reflects a troubling misalignment of priorities that could negatively impact the children’s futures.
Mutisyo noted that failing to provide children with proper education often leads to detrimental outcomes, such as involvement in drugs and crime.
He said that when children are not engaged in productive activities through education, they become idle and less productive, which can have far-reaching negative effects on both their future and the community at large.
He urged parents to prioritize education to safeguard and ensure their children’s more stable and prosperous future.
Mutisyo also stressed the importance of youth enrolling in Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges to acquire valuable job skills.
He noted that it doesn’t matter if a child has dropped out of formal education; TVET institutions are designed to accommodate everyone, offering opportunities for skill development and career advancement.
The DCC urged parents to encourage their children to take advantage of TVET opportunities, as they provide practical pathways to employment and economic stability.
He emphasized that parents must recognize their children as valuable assets and be fully responsible for their proper upbringing and development.
He asserted that if parents take their responsibilities seriously, insecurity issues would diminish significantly.
Mutisyo urged parents to invest in their childrenβs education and welfare to prevent such issues and foster a safer community.
