By Enock Okong’o
The Kisii Teaching And Referral Public Health officer Mr. Obwogo Moindi has decried the high rate of suicide by teenage students in the region.
Obwogo who talked to more than 200 youth in a health awareness symposium sponsored by the hospital, attributed the vice to drug abuse by the youth whom he cited as disillusioned.
“Most of the victims are school leavers who are despondent and try to seek refuge in drug abuse without knowing that they are spoiling their lives,” he said.
He added that the current global economic constraints forced the youth out of their homes in search of employment to fend for their siblings and parents but when they fail to secure any, they resort to commit suicide.
“Majority of these youths go out to seek employment with the hope of easing family burdens but when they fail they end up killing themselves,” Obwogo said.
Mr. Moindi asked the youth to seek counsel from their parents, the church or elders before resorting to take their lives.
“I implore you to exhaust all avenues of counseling to guide your minds from going astray,” he advised.
He revealed that their department in the hospital has created a youth friendly atmosphere for responsive urgent consultation.
“We care about the youth because they are the future pillars of this country,” he added.
The medic advised the youth to remain focused and optimistic in life by avoiding bad company.
Kisii County Director of Culture Sports and Youth affairs Mr.Nyamane Obino who opened the seminar reiterated the sentiments while lauding the effort put by the Hospital staff to sensitize the youth.
