Education Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i has asked parents to take an active role in the education of their children.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development during the official launch of the Parents Association, where Mr Nicholas Maiyo was elected chairman, Matiang'i said proper parenting goes beyond paying school fees.
The CS decried little parental involvement in education matters.
“It is our responsibility to raise our children but we leave it to schools. School principals have raised concern over parent's failure to attend meetings aimed at discussing educational and developmental issues concerning their children,” said Matiang'i.
Matiang'i said his ministry will build a partnership centered on the child, with a view of providing the right environment for the growth, development and education of children.
He further challenged the Parents Association to ensure schools issue receipts to students for the capitation funds the government pays under the free primary and free day secondary education programmes.
On his part, Knec chairman Prof George Magoha asked parents to desist from focusing on their children's grades, arguing there is more to life than what one scores in their national exams.
He also urged parents to remain vigilant in a bid to curb cases of exam cheating.
The association will be tasked with maintaining a good working relationship between teachers and parents, assisting the school management in the monitoring, guidance, counseling and disciplining of pupils among other functions.