Ruto to parents: Stop blaming others for wayward children

President William Ruto speaking during the 37th edition of the annual Rhino Charge motorsport competition held in Wamba, Samburu on May 31, 2026 / PCS

President William Ruto has challenged parents to take greater responsibility for raising disciplined and responsible children, warning that families cannot shift blame when young people engage in misconduct.

Speaking on Sunday during the 37th edition of the annual Rhino Charge motorsport competition in Wamba, the President said character development begins at home and urged parents to play a more active role in mentoring the younger generation.

Ruto expressed concern over the behaviour of some children and youth in the country, saying recent incidents involving young people have raised questions about the role of families in shaping values and conduct.

“We as parents must be concerned about our children, their well-being, their education and mentorship. We see what is going on in Kenya; some of our children do things that baffle many people, and we cannot afford to apportion blame that it is somebody else’s responsibility. It starts with us first and foremost, with us the parents,” he said.

The President said parenting goes beyond providing food, shelter and other basic needs, adding that parents must also invest in their children's education, guidance and moral development.

He praised families that encourage children to participate in sports and other positive activities, saying such efforts help nurture discipline, talent and good values.

“When I see these young children here and those who are racing in this sport, I say to the parents, 'Congratulations; that is how to bring up a family and our children,'" Ruto said.

He urged parents across the country to emulate such examples and create environments that support the growth and development of young people.

The President also used the event to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to environmental conservation, expressing confidence that Kenya will achieve its target of growing one billion trees this year.

Ruto revealed that the Integrated Natural Resource Secretariat is developing a policy framework aimed at improving coordination among public and private institutions involved in environmental conservation.

As part of the strategy, he announced plans for a nationwide environmental conservation exercise later this year.

“We will be setting a date in September or October where we will have a national exercise that will contribute to environment conservation efforts,” he said.

The President noted that Kenya’s water towers remain critical to the country’s economy, supporting sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing and clean energy production.

According to government evaluations, the country’s water towers generate an estimated Sh600 billion annually.

“We do not merely admire these forests; we depend on them because they touch every sector of our nation,” Ruto said