Lillian Ng’ang’a: Why Bathroom Independence is a Must Before Starting School

Lillian Ng’ang’a, the former First Lady of Machakos County, has sparked a lively conversation across social media regarding early childhood education. In a recent update to her followers, she shared a firm perspective on when a child is truly ready to enter the classroom.

Her message was clear: some milestones belong at home, not in the schoolhouse.

Taking to her Instagram stories, the author and mother didn’t mince words when addressing the trend of early school enrolment. She suggested that a child’s ability to manage their own hygiene should be the primary indicator of school readiness.

The Bathroom Requirement

Ng’ang’a argued that formal schooling should wait until a child has achieved a specific level of physical independence. Specifically, she believes that a child must be able to use the bathroom without assistance before they start their education.

"Children should not start school before they can use the bathroom on their own,” she suggested.

This stance challenges the current norm where many toddlers are enrolled in "baby classes" or playgroups while still in nappies or in the middle of potty training.

Defining the Role of the Teacher

Beyond the physical milestone, Ng’ang’a’s comments touched on the professional boundaries of educators. She expressed that the responsibility for basic developmental training lies with the parents rather than the school staff.

She pointed out that the primary function of a teacher is to provide academic and social instruction, not to manage the domestic aspects of a child's upbringing.

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"Teachers have no business potty training kids. Let's parent. Let the teachers teach,” she added.

Her "let the teachers teach" sentiment suggests that educators are being overextended when they are expected to handle tasks that traditionally take place within the family unit.

Lillian Ng’ang’a has long been a prominent figure in Kenyan public life. As the former partner of Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, she served as the First Lady of Machakos County, where she focused on various social welfare projects.

Since her high-profile transition to life with musician Juliani, she has become an influential voice on motherhood and intentional parenting. The couple welcomed their son, in 2022.

Her recent comments come at a time when the Kenyan education system, under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), sees many children starting Pre-Primary 1 (PP1) as early as age four.

However, many private "playgroups" admit children as young as two, often marketing "potty training assistance" as a service for busy professional parents.

A Shift in Parenting Culture

The reaction to Ng’ang’a’s post highlights a growing divide in modern parenting. While some parents see early schooling as essential for socialisation, others agree with Ng’ang’a that rushing into the system can place an unfair burden on both the child and the teacher.