Perspectives differ on who should be accused after eight pupils died in a classroom in Nairobi recently.
Professionals might have a case to answer, however, the assessment should be broader than that.
Perhaps it is inaction. But when it is deliberate to ignore responsibility, it stops being ignorance and starts being negligence that borders on sabotage. In this situation, the biblical question Jesus asked the scribes and the Pharisees about who was innocent exposes our lack of sincerity.
Planting seeds of values is good and should start early in children. It is expected that when competition for jobs, wants, and opportunities is cut-throat people get careless. Values have landed on rocks and the few that germinated are squeezed between thorns.
In many nations, primary education has a lot of importance. In fact, the developing countries today regard this seriously more than they did 20 years ago. It is so because planners know that it is in the interest of the nation to heavily invest in that level to inculcate the finest of the ideals.
So, how do we prepare people so that they mature into responsible professionals? Elders say Generation Z is not only lazy but have also evolved into narrow term beings in their quest for riches.
In the past, people put people first, their specialisations second, and gold last. Today, it is the reverse.
A majority seek professional disciplines in search of material wealth. This complicates problems.
When road carnage claims many, storey buildings collapse due to structural shortcuts, when cholera kills with abandon, when corruption is the norm,–name it, it is no longer the question of professionalism. It is conscience. We are bedeviled and our education has become valueless.
To be specific, Kenya has become a nation lost in trying to silence the voice of conscience.
Moral and ethical behaviour does not make sense where anything goes. Without shame, we feign concern.
The other day, the walls of classrooms at Precious Talents School descended on the learners. Surprisingly, we mourned and pointed accusing fingers while sending ”deepest and sincere” condolences, but that is all. Who is not guilty?
A nation built on the principles of freedom and liberty has been crippled by activities that construct a dead wall around souls and enjoy a commitment to being in our man-made prison. The possibilities of succeeding as a nation are thinning by the day.
What kind of education do we offer as a society? Good subject grades without corresponding values is a waste.
It will not matter how many professionals qualify into our civil service. If everyone wants quick riches at the expense of life of a fellow citizen, or safety of the nation, disasters will keep assailing the society.
What would make a medical staff to not follow guidelines and procedures? Unfortunately, these people go scot-free and, worse, critics have gone quiet and are doubtful.
Solving serious problems requires persistent, systemic effort and responsible citizenship.
