Bomet County Committee Executive Member for Education and Vocational Training Agnes Ngeno has called for concerted efforts in the fight against drug abuse among learners and youths in general.
Ngeno said various drugs, including alcohol, bhang, and various forms of tobacco, have infiltrated society and that the youths were the major partakers of the same.
She said drugs have ripped off moral values in society, citing criminal activities and suicide as the main results of drug abuse.
She was speaking during the official opening of Winners Premier School in Kapkwen, Chepalungu Sub County, where she urged private schools and non-governmental organisations to play a key role in the fight against the menace.
The official said schools should ensure that they employ chaplains who will be responsible for inculcating moral values among the students.
“Religious teachings are one of the ways in which the youths acquire moral values that they will then employ for the rest of their lives,” she said.
At the same time, the executive raised concerns over the rising cases of suicide among youths and children, saying some of them were as young as nine years old.
Further, she urged the government, through the National Government Administration, to beef up the crackdown against illicit brews, second-generation alcohol, and illegal drugs.
By Kipngeno Korir
