PS Mary Muthoni Sounds Alarm Over Missing Children, Rising Drug Abuse Among Youth
Speaking during an education day at the ACK Cathedral, the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards described the increasing reports of children disappearing after leaving home for school as disturbing and unacceptable.
“It is very painful and evil when a child leaves home to go to school and then goes missing. Children are innocent and harmless, and no one should use them to settle family disputes or revenge missions,” Muthoni said.
The PS called on parents, teachers, religious leaders, security agencies, and the wider community to work together in protecting children, saying young people cannot defend themselves against growing societal dangers.
“We must all come together as a society to protect our children because they cannot defend themselves. Parents, teachers, religious leaders, and the community must remain vigilant and ensure children are safe at all times,” she stated.
Muthoni also expressed concern over the increasing use of drugs and harmful substances among young people, warning that even children of tender age are now falling victim to narcotics and substance abuse.
“The use of drugs and substances is now affecting even very young children, and this should worry every parent and leader in the country. If we fail to protect our children from drugs, then we risk destroying an entire generation,” she warned.
She praised churches and faith-based institutions for supporting mentorship and moral guidance programs aimed at shaping responsible youth, urging them to continue partnering with the government in safeguarding children.
The PS further defended the Competency-Based Curriculum, saying the new education model is helping teachers identify and nurture learners according to their talents, abilities, and interests.
“The new education system is helping us understand and nurture every child according to their ability. This approach is also helping reduce mental health challenges among learners because teachers are now focusing on understanding the strengths and needs of every child,” she said.
According to Muthoni, the government is working closely with schools, teachers, and education stakeholders to ensure learners receive proper emotional support, mentorship, and guidance while in school.
She noted that the education day also gave health officials an opportunity to educate learners on hygiene, discipline, mental wellness, and the dangers threatening young people both in schools and within communities.
“We have used this occasion to speak to our learners about hygiene, personal responsibility, mental wellness, and the dangers that can destroy the future of our youth. When we guide our children well and give them the right information, we help them become responsible citizens,” she said.
Muthoni emphasized that maintaining proper hygiene and shielding young people from destructive behaviour is key to building a productive generation.
Also speaking during the event, retired bishop Daniel Munene Ngoru condemned rising violence and killings involving children and youth, saying every human life is sacred.
“It is painful and unfortunate that our country continues to witness killings involving young people. No one has the right to shorten the life of another person because life is a gift from God,” Ngoru said.
The retired bishop warned individuals involved in harming children that they would ultimately be held accountable both before society and God.
“Those harming children and young people must know they are answerable not only to society but also to God,” he added.
Ngoru also urged parents to take greater responsibility in raising and protecting their children, describing children as blessings that deserve love, care, guidance, and protection.
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