Elgeyo Marakwet parents urged to shield children from early drug exposure

Parents in Elgeyo Marakwet have been urged to protect their children from early exposure to drugs as part of efforts to curb rising cases of drug and substance abuse among the youth.

Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Herbert Kombo warned that children raised in environments where drug use is prevalent are at a higher risk of becoming addicts in the future.

“Children who grow up surrounded by parents who abuse drugs are more likely to become abusers themselves,” Kombo said.

The DCC, who was speaking on behalf of the County Commissioner during the launch of the National Substance Use Prevention Week in Iten, declared war on illicit brewers and drug peddlers operating in the region. He stressed that although the government was committed to fighting the menace, success would require a collective effort.

“Even as the government plays its role in fighting drug abuse, there is need for a concerted effort from parents, teachers and the society at large for this war to succeed,” he said.

Kombo added that following the launch, sensitisation campaigns would be rolled out across the county, particularly in schools and other learning institutions, to reach as many young people as possible.

ALSO READ:

MoE recommends action against 34 school heads over enrolment irregularities

County NACADA Coordinator Joan Chebon appealed to parents to create safe and supportive home environments where children can freely share their challenges.

“Some parents are too strict such that their children cannot open up to them when they are facing challenges,” she said, urging parents to be approachable so that children struggling with drugs can be rescued early.

County Executive Committee Member for Public Service Edwin Seroney cautioned parents and elder siblings against sending children to buy cigarettes and called on shopkeepers to refrain from selling tobacco products to minors.

Speaking at the same event, County Secretary Lazarus Chebii raised concern over the influx of foreigners visiting Iten for athletic training, urging closer monitoring to safeguard local athletes.

“There are some who engage in illegal activities like supplying drugs to our athletes which has adversely affected the reputation of our athletes,” he said.

ALSO READ:

Ruto-local teachers to replace vacant posts left by tutors fleeing insecurity in North Eastern

Keiyo North DCC Michael Odulwo said the Department of Interior, immigration officials, training camps and accommodation providers would collaborate to develop measures to monitor foreign athletes while in the country.

In emotional testimonies, rehabilitated addicts shared their experiences to caution the youth. Pastor Steven Mwei narrated how a single sip of traditional brew during an initiation ceremony led to years of addiction. Similarly, 26-year-old Titus Kiprop, a student at Kipsoen National Polytechnic, recounted how he battled addiction for 12 years before undergoing rehabilitation and returning to school.

They warned young people against experimenting with alcohol, saying even one sip could trigger addiction.

Odulwo also urged residents to take advantage of the ongoing Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) registration exercise, during which the government is issuing national identity cards, birth certificates and death certificates free of charge.

“We are appealing to all to ensure they get IDs before the rolling out of mass registration of voters,” he said.

By Kimutai Langat