Internal Security Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has urged academicians to take the lead role in imposing school dropout dilemma.
Omollo called on the Dons to step up and take a more engaged role in solving social and economic issues.
This follows growing concerns over worsening attrition rates.
This pattern is also perpetuating a cycle of poverty among these young people
PS Omollo
“These attrition rates are becoming worse each year, and there is a clear nexus between dropout rates and crime rates as well as social disadvantages,” he said.
During a meeting with Nyanza dons drawn from various institutions of higher learning across the country, Omollo said the youth have missed opportunities that have led to an increase in poverty rates.
“This pattern is also perpetuating a cycle of poverty among these young people,” he furthered.
Academic Gap
Omollo urged the scholars to bridge the gap between them and the young people and act as role models to support academic development.
“We have this gap between young people and our professors and academic doctors,” said Omollo.
He adds, “It is a serious impediment to sharing of knowledge, ideas, and experiences, which are some of the critical ingredients for intellectual growth and academic progress.”
The PS prescribed a data-driven approach to tackling the issue and presenting viable solutions.
He also urged the dons to analyze statistics on the rates of dropouts at every level, right from primary school up to higher education, and, as a matter of urgency, propose strategies through which the problem can be upended.