Daystar University is set to work with the County government of Machakos to eradicate drug abuse among students and the local community in a bid to raise the education standards in the County.
Machakos County governor Wavinya Ndeti decried the emerging drug menace in the County.
It’s believed a student who recently committed suicide in Machakos was into drugs.
Governor Ndeti who spoke at the Mary Mount Catholic Church on Sunday during a fundraiser for the construction of the new church warned drug peddlers in the locality against their illicit drug business.
“Those peddling drugs to students should know that their days are numbered.
We cannot have a situation where students are committing suicide due to drug abuse, “said Governor Ndeti.
She added that her government will enhance street lighting in the area and also upgrade access roads so as to open up the area and reduce insecurity.
“We did street lighting around Machakos University and it helped to curb insecurity. We will also do it here,” she said.
She urged the community and religious leaders to step up counseling services within the university fraternity so as to avoid drug abuse and suicide cases.
The University Vice Chancellor Prof. Laban Ayiro said the lack of street lights was partly to blame for insecurity around the university and appealed to the leadership of the Kamba Community in general to get involved in the development of the institution.
“A university is an industry and when I look at the governance of Daystar University, the leadership of Ukambani region is very far removed and I wonder how you are going to protect your interests in the university if you stay far away,” said Professor Ayiro.
He added that when he joined the university in 2019, it had a total enrollment of about 600 students but the population has grown to 3500 students presently.
Professor Ayiro also avered that the large student population translated to more business opportunities for the local community.
By Stephen Muthini
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