PS Omollo appeals for protection of children from drugs, dangers for future stability

Interior PS Raymond Omollo speaking at Athi River Primary School during the Chief’s Climate Action Day. [PHOTO: MINA]

Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo issued a clarion call to parents, teachers, and community leaders to unite in addressing the growing challenge of school dropouts and threats facing Kenyan children.

He warned that inaction could jeopardise the country’s future.

Speaking at Athi River Primary School during the Chief’s Climate Action Day, Dr. Omollo emphasised that protecting children from early school leaving, drugs, and exploitation must take precedence in national discourse.

“Our children are our greatest resource. We cannot afford to lose them to drugs, crime, or hopelessness. 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,” he said.

He urged national government administrators to work closely with school leadership, parents’ associations, and religious groups to keep children in class and prevent school dropouts, noting that the Ministry will intensify interventions at the local level.

Dr. Omollo also condemned the rising cases of drug and substance abuse, especially along highway towns like Athi River, which expose children and youth to illegal activities.

He warned traffickers and unscrupulous businesspeople that the government will not allow a generation to be destroyed for profit.

At the same event, the PS led a symbolic tree planting exercise under the Chief’s Climate Action Day, a monthly national initiative aimed at achieving President William Ruto’s vision of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.

He praised Machakos County for being among the best-performing regions despite 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 noted.

Dr. Omollo called on local industries in Machakos to support education and environmental programs, stating that private sector players must invest in the communities they operate in.

The event brought together county officials, the leadership of Athi River Primary and Junior Secondary schools, chiefs and assistant chiefs, and representatives from Nacada and NDOC.