Over 150 youth from Kajiado County have been sensitized on drug and substance abuse.
The Kajiado North and Kajiado West sub-County youth development officer Thomas Mose, has said the youth sensitization exercise will help in the realization of the Vision 2030 and the national government Big Four Agenda of creating sustainable safe spaces for the youth.
“Most of the youth who have benefited from this sensitization exercise have been directly affected by drugs and crime because of the high unemployment rates. Empowering the youth through sensitizing them on matters regarding their health is important to achieve the social pillar of youth empowerment in Vision 2030,” said Mose.
The South Rift regional manager for NACADA Robert Olweny has said that a large number of youth in Kajiado have been greatly impacted by drug and substance abuse especially alcohol and bhang.
“We have educated the youth on the effects of drugs and substance abuse and how they can get help for drug addiction at the rehabilitation centres. We have cautioned them against being lured with alcohol to cause conflict, by politicians during this election period,” said Olweny.
Olweny urged the youth to embrace opportunities provided for by the national government like the Uwezo fund to create self-employment opportunities and to enroll in Technical Training and Vocational Training Institutions (TVET’s).
The Kajiado North Sub-County assistant County Commissioner Bathsheba Osiemo reiterated the commitment of the national government in the fight against drugs and illicit brews. She urged the youth to collaborate with the government by sharing information on those involved in the consumption and sale of illicit drugs and alcohol.
By Alice Gworo
