Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has attributed the surge in social ills and crimes across Kenya to a growing lack of parental attention and guidance during childhood.

He has warned that critical parenting roles are increasingly being delegated to teachers, pastors, nannies and the internet.

Speaking on December 7, 2025, at the closing ceremony of the Reformed Church of East Africa (R.C.E.A) Women League Annual Convention in Kitengela, Murkomen told hundreds of women delegates that the erosion of active family involvement is leaving children exposed to negative influences.

Parents’ role

Murkomen argued that many of the social problems and criminal behaviours seen today stem from diminished parental involvement in children’s upbringing.

He noted that parents are increasingly delegating their core responsibilities to teachers, religious leaders, caregivers, and even digital platforms, a shift he believes is leaving children without the grounding and guidance they need.

“Some of the prevailing social ills and crimes in our society today are attributable to a lack of parental attention and guidance during childhood. The role of parenting is increasingly being left to teachers, pastors, nannies and the internet,” Murkomen said.

In a post shared on his official X account after the address, Murkomen underscored the importance of restoring strong moral and spiritual foundations within households, saying that families must take a deliberate role in shaping children’s character.

“Cultivating a culture of prayer and teaching social mores in our families provides our children with the foundation to live with honesty, discipline and diligence. A family’s faith and tradition act as the moral compass and anchor as one navigates life’s challenges and demands,” he said.

Convention focuses on family values

Murkomen was the guest of honour at the week-long R.C.E.A. Women League convention, an annual gathering that draws female congregants from across the country for spiritual renewal, leadership training and community outreach planning.

This year’s event, held at the R.C.E.A. Kitengela grounds, centred on family values and Christian stewardship.

Murkomen’s remarks come amid growing public debate over rising youth involvement in crime, substance abuse and other social challenges. Analysts have repeatedly linked these issues to weakened family structures and absentee parenting.