Legislators are pushing to make guidance and counseling mandatory in all primary and secondary schools as they tackle a spike in drug abuse, student indiscipline, and sexual violence.
The lawmakers expressed deep alarm over the rising number of sexual assaults against children. They pointed out that minors often face abuse or even death at the hands of those closest to them, including relatives and caregivers.
MPs noted that these traumatic events leave students with deep, long-term psychological scars. To help children heal and stay safe, they argued that schools must provide constant monitoring and professional counseling.
In a motion presented to the House, Nyeri Woman Representative Rahab Mukami pointed to domestic violence, unstable families, and financial struggles as major stressors that weigh on students’ minds. She argued that these challenges make a mandatory counseling program essential for every school.
The MPs noted that most primary and secondary schools currently offer only informal and poorly organized counseling services. They highlighted a lack of a standardized national framework, which leaves many schools without the professional expertise or accountability needed to support children effectively.
Legislators believe that structured support, including life skills training, child protection lessons, and early intervention during a child’s younger years, is vital. They argue that these services protect students, build their resilience, and ultimately lead to better behavior and higher grades.
Consequently, the MPs are calling on the government to create and launch a national policy. This framework would oversee the recruitment, accreditation, and placement of professionally trained counselors in schools across the country.
The MPs also urged the government, through the Ministry of Education, to weave mental health education, child protection, personal safety, and life skills directly into the school curriculum.
Additionally, the lawmakers called on the Ministry to set aside enough money and resources to keep these counseling services running effectively.
To ensure children stay safe, they also asked the government to build a solid bridge between schools, child protection agencies, and other relevant departments. This coordination would create a clear path for reporting and handling cases when a student needs urgent help.
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