The head of Xaverian Comprehensive School in Kisumu City, Barnabas Odeny, has urged learners to prioritise their safety during the long December holiday and avoid abuse, theft and political gatherings.
Odeny warned learners against trusting strangers, accepting gifts from unfamiliar people or visiting places that could expose them to danger as schools close for the holiday.
He particularly cautioned girls in upper classes to be careful about the people they associate with and to seek help immediately if they feel threatened.
“Don’t accept gifts, don’t go to strangers, don’t take lifts, don’t take sweets or ice cream. That is how they will lure you and harm you,” he said.
Odeny urged learners to speak out and raise the alarm whenever they encounter potentially dangerous situations, stressing that protecting children from abuse was a shared responsibility between schools and families.
He also advised learners to keep away from political rallies and other activities unrelated to them, urging them to remain at home, help with household chores and focus on their studies during the break.
“With the 2027 general election approaching, parents should not allow children to attend political rallies because of the risk of violence and injury,” Odeny said.
He pointed out cases of chaos erupting in rallies, school-going children being shot by stray bullets. “Let’s stay in the house under the guidance of parents and read books,” Odeny said.
The school head further warned learners against shoplifting and other forms of theft, saying offenders risked arrest and prosecution.
“Don’t go to supermarkets to shoplift. If you’re caught, you will be arrested, taken to the police station and charged in court,” Odeny warned.
He called on parents and guardians to supervise their children throughout the holiday, saying close cooperation between families and schools was essential to keeping learners safe.
The school is expected to reopen on January 4, 2027, when learners will return for the next school term.
Odeny wished the learners a safe holiday and reminded them that responsible behaviour outside school was important for their wellbeing and readiness to resume classes.
A total of 689 learners at the school are preparing to sit national examinations after the institution closed for a nine-week holiday, with the head urging parents to protect children from abuse, drugs and other dangers during the break.
Odeny said 388 Grade 6 learners would sit the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), while 301 learners would take the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA).
He expressed confidence in the candidates’ readiness, saying the school had completed the term successfully and was expecting good results.
“We completed the term very well. Our children are prepared to sit for the national exams and I am optimistic good results await us,” he said.
The school has issued holiday assignments, known as home fun books, to keep learners engaged academically.
Odeny urged parents to ensure the assignments are completed and that children revise their notes throughout the holiday. The school is expected to reopen on January 4, 2027.
Head warns parents over child safety.
During the closing ceremony on Thursday, Odeny revealed that two learners had recently been defiled by people known to them and were receiving medical care.
He urged parents to remain vigilant about the people who interact with their children, warning that abuse could occur within familiar social circles.
“The society has become rotten. We are living in a bad environment. If you have somebody whom you call your friend, please let that person not come close to your girl,” he said.
He also warned parents about unrestricted television viewing and mobile phone use, saying children could be exposed to content unsuitable for their age.
Odeny urged parents to monitor the use of mobile phones and tablets and to ensure children spent their time on educational and age-appropriate activities.
Warning over drugs and theft
The head of institution raised concerns about tobacco products disguised as electronic devices, urging parents to watch for signs of smoking and discourage children from experimenting with such products.
He also warned learners against stealing or handling stolen property, saying such behaviour could bring them into conflict with the law.
Odeny reminded children to help with household chores and respect their parents’ authority, including decisions about television use.
“Learners’ remote belongs to the parents,” he said, warning children against throwing tantrums when television access was restricted.
He called on parents and teachers to work together to protect children and promote responsible behaviour during the holiday.
“It is our responsibility, teachers and parents, to ensure we raise responsible children. We will not allow our children to be destroyed,” he said.
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