Ruto Tells Parents to Take Responsibility as Concerns Over Youth Behaviour Grow

By Brian Kiprono - Reporter

Kenya, May 31, 2026 - President William Ruto has called on parents to take a more active role in raising and mentoring their children, saying families must not shift responsibility when young people engage in troubling behaviour.

Speaking during the 37th Rhino Charge motorsport competition in Wamba, Samburu County, on Sunday, the President said recent incidents involving children and youth have highlighted the need for stronger parental guidance and involvement.

Ruto noted that while education and other institutions play an important role in shaping young people, character formation begins at home.

"We as parents must be concerned about our children, their well-being, their education and mentorship. We see what is going on in Kenya; some of our children do things that baffle many people, and we cannot afford to apportion blame and say it is somebody else's responsibility. It starts with us first and foremost, with us as parents," he said.

The President urged families to move beyond providing basic needs and focus more on mentorship, discipline and values that help young people make responsible choices.

Using the Rhino Charge event as an example, Ruto praised parents who support their children's participation in sports and constructive activities, saying such opportunities help nurture discipline, talent and positive behaviour.

"When I see these young children here and those who are racing in this sport, I say to the parents, 'Congratulations; that is how to bring up a family and our children,'" he said.

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His remarks come amid growing national debate over youth behaviour, school safety and the role of parents in guiding children through social and technological changes.

Beyond parenting, the President also used the event to highlight environmental conservation efforts, reaffirming his administration's commitment to growing one billion trees this year.

He announced plans for a nationwide environmental conservation exercise later this year and said the government was developing a policy framework to improve coordination among institutions involved in protecting natural resources.

"We will be setting a date in September or October when we will have a national exercise that will contribute to environmental conservation efforts," Ruto said.

The President emphasised the importance of protecting Kenya's forests and water towers, noting that they support key sectors of the economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, fisheries and clean energy production.

"We do not merely admire these forests; we depend on them because they touch every sector of our nation," he said.