KAJIADO, Kenya — Ngong Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Jacob Ndunda has directed children and school-going minors in the area to be indoors by 10pm, warning that those found outside beyond the stipulated time risk being detained.
The directive comes as learners begin their school holiday on October 23, 2026, with schools scheduled to reopen on January 4, 2027, after an extended break.
Speaking during a public baraza on Thursday, Ndunda instructed local administrators and security officers to enforce the directive, urging parents and guardians to ensure children are home at night.
“When it hits 10pm, no child should be outside. Ensure you tell the children after you leave this place,” the OCS said.
He also addressed children directly, warning that students found outside after the deadline could face detention.
“Beyond 10pm or 2200 hours, if you don’t have a national ID, if you are a student, you should be inside,” he said.
Ndunda called on residents attending the meeting to support the directive, saying their agreement during the gathering constituted public participation. He urged them to communicate the message to their children and ensure compliance at home.
“Let us agree right here, right now, because this is now public participation. What we agree here is what will be done so that you don’t say later that we should forgive them,” he said.
Parents warned over children’s whereabouts
The Ngong OCS challenged parents and guardians to remain aware of their children’s whereabouts, particularly at night, warning that leaving children unsupervised could expose them to danger.
“We have already been told that we have entered the festive season. If you don’t know where your child is and it’s past 10pm, what do you expect that child would be doing out there?” he posed.
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Ndunda also issued a warning to suspected criminals operating within his jurisdiction, saying security officers would not be lenient.
“We are not forgiving criminals,” he said.
His remarks place responsibility on families to monitor children’s movements during the school break, when learners are away from the daily routines and supervision provided by schools.
School holiday raises child-safety concerns
The extended holiday has renewed attention on children’s safety, supervision and welfare during the period away from school.
Children who lack adequate supervision may face risks including substance abuse, exploitation, criminal activity and online harm.
Adolescents may also face pressure from peers, while some children could be exposed to abuse in environments where their safety is not adequately protected.
Parents and guardians are therefore being urged to maintain communication with their children, understand how they spend their time and provide appropriate guidance throughout the holiday.
Education stakeholders, local administrators and religious leaders have also encouraged families to use school breaks to strengthen children’s character development, reinforce positive behaviour and keep learners engaged in safe activities.
Ndunda’s directive signals a tougher approach to nighttime movement by minors in Ngong. However, the legal basis and scope of the curfew, including how it will be enforced and what safeguards will apply to children found outside after 10pm, were not detailed in the remarks provided.
As the holiday gets under way, parents and guardians face renewed calls to remain involved in their children’s daily activities and whereabouts, while authorities are expected to clarify how the directive will operate in practice.
