Narok County Woman Representative Rebecca Tonkei has urged students to avoid drug and substance abuse, saying it robs their potential and denies them the opportunity to improve their living standards through education.
Tonkei, a trained teacher, made the remarks while launching a scholarship programme aimed at supporting disciplined female students and those who excel academically.
She warned that drug and alcohol abuse has derailed the futures of many youths, with some paying the ultimate price at a very young age.
“Many young people who get into drug and alcohol abuse end up destroying their future dreams, and some even lose their lives early,” Tonkei said.
Speaking at Olesankale Boarding School in Narok town, the Tonkei described the situation as worrying and called for joint efforts by parents, teachers and leaders to keep learners in school.
“We must work together to ensure our children remain in school. Those already affected by drug abuse should be rehabilitated early so that they too can get a chance to change their lives for the better,” she said.
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She also urged parents and students who attended the event to seek guidance and counselling, noting that substance abuse not only affects learners but also breaks families.
“Drug abuse destroys families, and that is why counselling is very important for both parents and learners,” she added.
Tonkei raised concern over gender disparities in education in the county, citing statistics from last year’s KCSE national examination, which showed that 42.33 per cent of candidates in Narok were female compared to 57.67 per cent male, with even fewer girls qualifying for university education.
“Education is very important in shaping quality leaders. Educated people tend to offer better leadership because they understand the world we live in today,” she noted.
According to KCSE statistics, Narok County is among the ten counties that recorded more male than female candidates sitting the national examination, a trend Tonkei said should be addressed through collective action and support for girls’ education.
By Kimutai Langat
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