KENYA: The family institution is under threat, says leaders
Poor leadership, corruption, social media, internet and high standards of living have been sighted as major threats to both the traditional and Christian family principles.
Speaking during the National Family Conference to commemorate The United Nations International day of the family at Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) in Nairobi on 16th, May, 2016, Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) – Commission for Pastoral and Lay Apostolate National Executive Secretary Rev. Dr. Charles Odira said lack of values in the families and poor leadership have immensely contributed to radicalization, drug abuses, cultism, HIV and AIDS, unemployment, abuse of children and peer pressure among the youth.
Fr. Odira called on the leaders to fulfil the promises that they make to the youth. He challenged parents to take up their responsibilities of bringing up the children by instilling good values in them and being good role models.
He said that the primary role of the church is to safeguard the family as the basic cell of the society where the youth can in turn feel protected by creating a favorable environment where every young person finds a home and growth.
Fr. Odira emphasized that the Church cannot take up the role of the family but it can only capacity build them to take up their role. “If ensuring healthy family is the objective of Church then the youth who happen to learn more through practical instances and role models, the church needs to create a role model out of the existing families to be more attractive.” He said
Speaking during the opening of conference, the Cabinet Secretary for East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism, Phyllis Kandie said the family is the fundamental unit of the society. “If we get it right at the family level, then we are assured of a stable well-structured society.” She affirmed.
Kandie revealed that the Government of Kenya is focusing on the youth empowerment and involvement in all development processes of the country by developing specific programs targeting the youth to mitigate challenges facing the youth today.
The theme of this year’s National Family Conference was Nurturing and Strengthening the Youth as Crucial Members of the Family. The conference brought together about 300 delegates from the Government of Kenya, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s), World Youth Alliance, KCCB and Kenya Christian Professional Forum (KCPF).
The United Nations International day of the family was set aside 20 years ago by United Nations General Assembly to celebrate the family institution and create awareness on the need to promote strong family ties in the society.
By Rose Achiego, Waumini Communications, KCCB
