Magoha lauds drug tests on students to tame indiscipline

Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has lauded a move by Maranda High School to introduce a requirement that students reporting to school must undergo a mandatory drug and substance test.

In a further move to instil discipline in schools, the Education CS also asked headteachers not to re-admit students with criminal records.

He also directed that those engaging in homosexuality and lesbianism be removed from boarding schools and taken to day schools closer to their homes.

The CS said the drug test was the surest way of keeping away students doing drugs from the learning institutions as schools reopen on January 4, 2022.

“A drug test is thoroughly in order because children are abusing drugs. We love our children and we do not do this because we hate them,” said Prof Magoha.

In a message to parents, Maranda Principal Edwin Namachanja directed all students to take the tests while at home, which must be done at a public health facility or by Nacada.

The students are expected to present the certificates issued on opening day.

Random tests

The school also said it will be conducting random tests as learning continues.

The new directive by Maranda High School has brought confusion and desperation among parents, with the cost of the test and where exactly to get it done being the main concerns.

Many parents and students have to travel long distances to major towns where government chemists are located. They will also have to part with between Sh1,200 and Sh2,700 for a single test.

The Education CS accused parents of not spending enough time with their children, giving them a chance to engage in drugs.

“I urge parents to take care of their children and teach them to be realistic in life. Children need our time not our money,” said Prof Magoha.

The Education CS spoke on Thursday during his visit to Kisumu and Siaya counties where he met with heads of national schools as well as those from special schools. 

CBC

He later laid foundation stones for the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) classrooms at Obuolo and Nyamninia secondary schools in Yala, Siaya County.

Prof Magoha said that the government will deal firmly with children who are involved in criminal activities.

He pointed out that boarding schools should flourish, but left it to the society to decide whether they should exist after all.

He also defended the CBC, saying it has changed the way children relate with their parents, and hoped that the case currently in court will be ruled in his favour.

The CS He also promised that schools will be receiving money from the government next week, warning boarding secondary schools against sending away students with fees arrears.

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