PARENTS REJECT RETURN OF THE CANE, CALL FOR STRONGER GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING IN SCHOOLS



The National Parents Association (NPA) has called for stronger guidance and counselling, chaplaincy and pastoral-care systems in schools, saying indiscipline and other behavioural challenges among learners should be addressed through professional and non-violent approaches. The Association said concerns over substance abuse, school unrest, violence and indiscipline are legitimate, but teachers should be equipped with appropriate skills and institutional support rather than relying on corporal punishment. Parliament has also recently backed a motion seeking mandatory guidance and counselling programmes in primary and secondary schools. 

The NPA is proposing specialised and continuous teacher training in child and adolescent development, positive behaviour management, conflict resolution, restorative discipline, child protection and identification of learners facing trauma or family difficulties. It is also calling for stronger coordination among teachers, parents, professional counsellors, psychologists, chaplains and child-protection officers to ensure learners receive appropriate support. The Association maintains that schools can enforce firm and effective discipline while respecting the dignity and rights of children. Kenya's existing Basic Education Bill framework provides that learners should not be subjected to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. 

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