As schools break for the April holidays, Bishop Joseph Nkurumba of the Mountain of Hope Worship Center in Gitimbene, Meru, has urged parents to take active responsibility for their children to curb rising cases of drug abuse, early pregnancies, and gender-based violence (GBV). Speaking during a special church service for students and parents, the Bishop emphasized the need for guardians to guide their children away from unlawful activities and harmful behavior.
Meru County, particularly the northern regions of Igembe and Tigania, has recorded some of the highest rates of early pregnancies and GBV in Kenya. According to the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), many cases occur when girls return home for holidays, exposing them to exploitation, early marriages, and substance abuse. The Bishop expressed concern over this trend, calling for collective action from parents, religious leaders, and the community to safeguard young lives
Beyond social issues, Bishop Nkurumba also addressed Meru’s political landscape, urging residents to support the newly elected Governor, Rev. Isaac Mutuma. He appealed to former Governor Kawira Mwangaza to cooperate with the new administration for the county’s development. Additionally, he encouraged church leaders to accept donations from politicians, emphasizing that such contributions should be used for community welfare without compromising moral integrity.
The Bishop’s message highlights a critical need for intervention during school breaks when children are most vulnerable. Strengthening parental guidance, community awareness programs, and government policies against child exploitation are essential to reversing Meru’s disturbing trends. As the holiday season begins, stakeholders must work together to protect the youth and ensure a safer future for Meru County.
The church, government, and families must unite to combat these challenges, ensuring that school holidays become a time of growth not a period of risk for Kenya’s young generation.
