- Strong parenting and school partnerships are key to shaping responsible future leaders.
- The greatest investment in a child is guidance, values, and meaningful parental involvement.
- Today’s character formation determines tomorrow’s leaders and nation builders.
The way we raise our children today will determine the kind of society we live in tomorrow; investing in them is investing in the future itself.
Dr. Elphas Aliva Luvaso, Chief Principal, Kakamega School and author of The Lifeless Life of Chronic Kidney Patient: A Struggle for Normalcy.
On May 29, 2026, the atmosphere at Kakamega School was one of reflection, inspiration, and shared purpose as parents, teachers, and education stakeholders gathered for the Form Three Parents Meeting and Annual General Meeting (AGM). Far from being an ordinary school meeting, the gathering evolved into a powerful conversation on parenting, leadership, character formation, and the future of young people in a rapidly changing world.
Hosted at one of Kenya’s most distinguished national schools, the meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to assess the progress of learners while reaffirming the collective responsibility of parents and educators in nurturing responsible, disciplined, and successful young men.
For nearly a century, Kakamega School has remained a beacon of educational excellence in Kenya. Renowned for strong academic performance, leadership development, sporting achievements, innovation, and discipline, the institution has produced distinguished leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, scholars, clergy, and public servants who continue to make significant contributions locally and globally. The school’s enduring legacy has been built on a philosophy that education must shape not only the intellect but also the character of learners.
Investing in Children Beyond School Fees
Leading the discussions was the Chief Principal, Dr. Elphas Aliva Luvaso, whose message challenged parents to rethink what it truly means to invest in their children.
According to Dr. Luvaso, the greatest investment a parent can make is not merely financial but also emotional, moral, spiritual, and intellectual.
“Let us learn to invest in our children because they are more valuable than anything else we possess. The way we bring up our children today will determine what they become tomorrow,” he told parents.
The principal emphasized that the partnership between parents and teachers remains critical in shaping learners. He encouraged parents to maintain regular communication with class teachers and school administrators, noting that consistent engagement often translates into better academic and personal outcomes for learners.
“Support us so that together we can serve your sons effectively. We share the responsibility of preparing them for the future,” he said.
Dr. Luvaso also urged parents to remain accessible to their children, especially during adolescence when young people face numerous social, emotional, and academic challenges.
Pastor Erick Opingo Challenges Parents to Build a Lasting Legacy
One of the most memorable presentations came from Pastor Erick Opingo, the guest and motivational speaker, whose message focused on parenting, values, and the long term impact of family influence.
Speaking passionately about the role of parents, Pastor Opingo reminded the audience that children often become reflections of the values instilled in them at home.
“My children are ambassadors of my family values. What I plant in them today will determine the adults they become tomorrow,” he said.
He observed that children learn more through observation than instruction and challenged parents to become role models worthy of imitation.
“Children learn by seeing. They watch our actions before they listen to our words. If we desire discipline, integrity, and responsibility in our children, we must demonstrate those qualities ourselves.”
Pastor Opingo urged parents to give clear guidance, spend quality time with their children, and intentionally nurture virtues such as honesty, hard work, humility, faith, respect, and self control.
He expressed concern over what he described as growing self-centeredness in society and called upon parents to reclaim their role as primary mentors.
“Our communities are increasingly becoming individualistic. Yet the future of our society depends on how we raise our children today.”
Addressing parents of Form Three students, he described the current stage as a critical season that would significantly influence the learners’ future academic and career paths.
“To parents, your child is your hope for tomorrow. Invest your time, your wisdom, and your attention in them. Support their dreams and help them discover their purpose.”
His message resonated strongly with parents, many of whom acknowledged the need to balance academic support with emotional presence and moral guidance.
Habakkuk Nakiboli Calls for Purpose Driven Parenting
The AGM also benefited from the insightful presentation of Habakkuk Nakiboli, a Communication and Media Lecturer at Kabarak University, who challenged parents to intentionally prepare their children for success in an increasingly complex world.
Nakiboli emphasized that education should go beyond examinations and certificates to include character formation, critical thinking, resilience, and purpose.
“Parents must deliberately cultivate purpose, responsibility, and character in their children. Education should prepare learners not only to pass examinations but also to become productive citizens who positively influence society.”
Drawing from his experience as an educator, he observed that modern children are growing up in a rapidly evolving digital environment where social media, technology, and global influences compete for their attention.
“The conversations we have with our children today will shape the decisions they make tomorrow. Families remain the most important institutions in shaping values and behaviour.”
Nakiboli encouraged parents to take keen interest in their children’s talents, aspirations, and personal development, noting that meaningful engagement often builds confidence and direction.
He also challenged families to create home environments that encourage reading, curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning.
“When parents cultivate a culture of learning and open communication, children become more confident, focused, and prepared for future opportunities.”
His contribution reinforced the central message that parenting remains one of the most important determinants of a child’s success.
Dr. Silas Idah Mukavale Advocates for Strong Parent School Partnerships
The Parents Association Chairperson, Dr. Silas Idah Mukavale, who also serves as a lecturer at the National Defence University, highlighted the importance of collaboration between parents and educators.
According to Dr. Mukavale, schools and families must work together if learners are to achieve their full potential.
“Schools provide structure and academic instruction, but parents remain the foundation upon which values, discipline, and resilience are built.”
He noted that the challenges facing young people today require a united approach involving parents, teachers, mentors, and the wider community.
Dr. Mukavale encouraged parents to remain actively engaged in their children’s academic and personal development while maintaining regular communication with the school.
“When parents and teachers work together, learners thrive. Every parent has a responsibility to help shape future leaders.”
His remarks reflected the Parents Association’s commitment to supporting the school’s mission of providing quality education while nurturing responsible and productive citizens.
A Shared Vision for Excellence
As the meeting drew to a close, a common theme emerged from all the presentations. Academic success alone is not enough. Young people must also be equipped with strong values, leadership skills, discipline, emotional intelligence, faith, and resilience if they are to succeed in life.
The discussions underscored the belief that education is most effective when schools and families work hand in hand. Parents were challenged to become more intentional in mentoring their children, while educators reaffirmed their commitment to creating an environment that supports both academic achievement and character development.
The Kakamega School Form Three Parents AGM of May 29, 2026 therefore became much more than a routine meeting. It was a call to action for parents, teachers, and society to invest deliberately in the next generation.
As one of Kenya’s most respected institutions continues its journey of excellence, Kakamega School remains a shining example of how purposeful partnerships between parents and educators can transform learners into responsible citizens, visionary leaders, and agents of positive change. In an era of unprecedented challenges and opportunities, the message from the AGM was clear: the future of society will be determined by the values, character, and purpose we instill in our children today.
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