Ngong OCS Sets 10pm Curfew for Children as Long School Holiday Begins

Ngong Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Jacob Ndunda has directed children and school-going minors in the area to remain indoors after 10pm, warning that those found outside beyond the stipulated time risk detention.

The directive comes as learners conclude the third term of the 2026 academic year, with families preparing for the extended end-of-year school holiday. Speaking during a public baraza on Thursday, October 22, Ndunda instructed local administrators and security officers to communicate the directive to residents and ensure it was enforced.

“When it hits 10pm, no child should be outside. Ensure you tell the children after you leave this place,” he said.

The OCS also addressed young people directly, telling students without national identity cards to be indoors by 10pm.

“Beyond 10pm or 2200 hours, if you don't have a national ID, if you are a student, you should be inside,” he said, placing responsibility on parents and guardians to monitor their children's movements.

Ndunda asked residents attending the meeting to acknowledge the directive, describing the discussion as public participation. He urged them to communicate the rules 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.

The police commander linked the directive to the festive season, when families and young people may spend more time outside their usual school routines. He questioned whether parents knew where their children were at night and warned against leaving minors unsupervised. Ndunda also issued a warning to suspected criminals operating within his jurisdiction, declaring that police would not show leniency towards them.

“We are not forgiving criminals,” he said.

The directive places renewed attention on children's safety during the long school break, when the absence of daily classroom routines can make supervision more difficult for some households. The holiday also presents families with questions about children's social activities, screen time and the adults responsible for their care when parents are away at work. Kenya's Public Order Act provides for curfew restriction orders under specified conditions, while the Constitution requires that detention of children be used only as a last resort.