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Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital CEO Dr. Marita Oimeke has warned that drug and substance abuse is driving a surge in mental health cases among young people, with many admissions involving psychosis, depression, and anxiety.
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Speaking during the destruction of cannabis worth Ksh18 million in Kisii, she called for early intervention by families, schools, and communities.
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Police also announced a tougher crackdown on drug traffickers, while health experts urged the public to recognize early signs of substance abuse and seek prompt treatment.
Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital Chief Executive Officer Dr. Marita Oimeke has raised concern over the growing number of young people being admitted with mental health conditions linked to drug and substance abuse.
Speaking in Kisii Town on Friday, June 26, during the destruction of 30 bags of cannabis sativa valued at Ksh18 million, Dr. Oimeke said most young patients admitted to the hospital’s mental health unit suffer from conditions such as psychosis, depression, and anxiety associated with substance use.
The destruction exercise was conducted by a multi-agency team led by Kisii County Police Commander Ronald Kirui.
Dr. Oimeke urged families, schools, religious institutions, and community leaders to intensify awareness campaigns and promote early intervention to prevent more young people from falling victim to drug abuse and its devastating mental health consequences.
“Early detection and treatment significantly improve recovery outcomes for young people battling drug-related mental health disorders,” she said, encouraging residents to seek professional help from health facilities, counsellors, and addiction support centres at the earliest signs of substance abuse.
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County Police Commander Ronald Kirui declared an intensified crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse, particularly among school-going children and the youth. He blamed some irresponsible parents and drug peddlers for exposing vulnerable young people to narcotics.
Kirui appealed to members of the public to report anyone involved in the sale or distribution of illegal drugs to security agencies for immediate arrest and prosecution.
A Judiciary representative from Kisii County noted that the destroyed cannabis and counterfeit sugar had been produced as exhibits in court, underscoring the widespread circulation of illegal goods and the need for coordinated action among law enforcement agencies and the public.
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Health experts warn that substance abuse often manifests through noticeable behavioural and physical changes that parents, teachers, and peers should not ignore.
These include bloodshot or unusually dilated pupils, frequent nosebleeds or unexplained runny noses, sudden changes in appetite or weight, mood swings, aggression, poor personal hygiene, declining academic or work performance, absenteeism, secretive behaviour, financial difficulties, loss of interest in hobbies, poor coordination, and slurred speech.
Dr. Oimeke called on the public to remain vigilant and seek timely medical and psychosocial support for affected individuals, saying early intervention remains the most effective way to curb the growing burden of drug-related mental illness among the youth.
By Enock Okong’o
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