Mombasa County Commissioner Mohammed Nur has cautioned parents to always know the whereabouts of their children during the long holidays.
Speaking to Baraka FM, Commissioner Nur also advised parents to keep their children engaged to prevent them from getting into criminal activities.
“We know schools are closing for about two months for the long holidays. Parents ensure you find something for your children to do because we know they have a lot of energy and if they are not kept busy it will be a problem, they might even end up in the wrong company,” said Nur.
He urged parents to plan their children’s day so that they are aware of where they are and what they are doing at all times.
“We do not want to hear cases of children being involved in criminal activities. Last time we arrested a 12-year-old child,” said the County Commissioner.
Children involved in criminal activities will be arrested and remanded at the children’s remand home. Commissioner Nur warned that once a child enters the crime database their future will be destroyed.
“Nowadays even getting into the police force requires a certificate of good conduct. Once their fingerprints enter the crime database, it will affect things like future scholarships because if they get a scholarship to study in the US, they will be asked for good conduct at the US Embassy. Getting them out of the database is also a task,” said Nur.
Police have been carrying out training programs in schools before the long holiday break to sensitize the children on different things that may land them in trouble or the wrong side of the law.
