The use of drugs among youth in Baringo County has reached alarming rates and should be declared a national disaster, according to former Radio Presenter June Dazina Vel.
Speaking to Education News about the state of drug use in Baringo County where she hails from, Vel said in her own Eldama Ravine Constituency where the production of illegal brews is not about to slow down, the use of Cannabis Sativa is now becoming popular among the youth in both primary and secondary schools.
“During my time as a pupil and a youth growing up in Eldama Ravine town, a young person could rarely access alcohol and other forms of drugs like the Cannabis Sativa,” Vel said.
She revealed that many young people are dying in the nearby Gurusalal Valley where the production of the killer Chang’aa and the sale of bhang is business as usual.
‘’I have lost two of my own brothers because of the Chang’aa dens in Eldama Ravine’s Gurusalal valley,’’ said the former Radio queen now turned politician.
In the year 2017, National Campaign against Drug Abuse (NACADA) published a report indicating that it should be a big concern that secondary schools are not drug free environments as it should be.
The report pointed out the danger of alcohol outlets and dens operating near the schools.
Vel argued that drugs are the reason behind the many indiscipline cases in schools, as well as the lack of productivity among the youth who are well educated.
‘’I appeal to Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezikiel Machogu to create a legacy as a champion in the fight against the use of drugs in Kenyan schools,” she said.
By Jeremiah Chamakany
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