Anti-drug activists have called on stakeholders to intensify efforts in tackling the growing menace of drug and alcohol abuse among young people in Kericho County.
Led by William Rotich, warned that the vice, which is spreading rapidly, risks reversing gains made in education, health, and economic development.
Speaking in Kericho town, Rotich expressed concern over the increasing availability of illicit brews and narcotic substances, which he said have made it easier for youths to fall into addiction.
“In Kericho County, particularly within the township areas, we are witnessing worrying gaps in enforcement. The widespread availability of cheap liquor, chang’aa, spirits and bhang points to lax oversight with little visible effort from enforcement officers,” he said.
“There are growing concerns that corruption, where money changes hands, is allowing illegal activities to continue unchecked. These weaknesses in enforcement are exposing more young people to substance abuse,” regretted Rotich.
The activist, who is also a certified mental health counsellor, noted that many youths seeking help had struggled with addiction for years, underscoring the need for timely interventions by both county and national governments.
“I have been working closely with youths struggling with addiction for over five years, and in my sessions, I have observed that many are high school, college or university dropouts,” he said.
“On average, I see about four youths a month, typically aged 15 to 20 years. Rehabilitation is expensive, and it is not often that an addict recovers fully after undergoing this programme,” added Rotich.
According to him, alcohol and drug abuse continue to have serious effects on mental health by impairing brain function.
“Alcohol abuse is a major contributor to mental health problems, as it interferes with normal brain function. When a person is intoxicated, their ability to think clearly and make sound decisions is compromised,” he explained.
“Prolonged addiction often leads to noticeable behavioural changes, with some engaging in lawlessness and others exhibiting suicidal thoughts,” he added.
Rotich urged county leaders, security agencies and community organisations to strengthen enforcement, intensify public awareness campaigns, support rehabilitation programmes, and create youth empowerment initiatives to tackle unemployment.
“Efforts to fight this vice must be collective. We need consistent crackdowns, but also support systems to help those already affected to recover and rebuild their lives,” he noted.
He also challenged local administrators to crack down on illegal outlets and drug peddlers, warning that the school holidays could expose more youths to substance abuse if enforcement is not stepped up.
“Many liquor outlets operate near schools, and this is worrying. With schools closing for the April holidays, there is an urgent need for authorities to prioritise strict enforcement measures to protect the youth,” he urged.
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Rotich further cautioned that the proliferation of illicit brews, unregulated alcohol and bhang use among young people is undermining productivity and fuelling school dropouts.
“Their addiction leads to decreased productivity and increased absenteeism among youths enrolled in learning institutions, all of which undermine efforts to build a skilled and reliable workforce,” he said.
By Kimutai Langat
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