Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has sounded an alarm over rising cases of drug and substance abuse among young people, urging students to steer clear of destructive habits and focus on building their future.
Speaking during a student engagement forum at Utumishi Boys Academy in Gilgil, Omollo described drug abuse as one of the biggest challenges facing Kenya’s youth. He cautioned learners against harmful influences, stressing that substance abuse could derail their ambitions and deny them the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to national development.
“One of the biggest issues that we are struggling with is the issue of drug and substance abuse. And I want to passionately speak to the students that, because of the good culture in Utumishi, please do not fall prey to drug and substance abuse. Look out for the kind of friends that you make. Try to keep away from drugs,” he said.
ALSO READ:
Maseno School unveils commemorative merchandise ahead of 120th anniversary
He added that avoiding drugs is essential for young people to achieve success and be celebrated for their contributions. “Try to keep away from substance abuse, because if you do not do that, then you will never have an opportunity for us to come and celebrate you. You will never have an opportunity to positively contribute to the well-being and development of this country,” Omollo warned.
The PS also highlighted the government’s heavy investment in the education sector under President William Ruto, noting that it accounts for nearly 30 per cent of the national budget. “As a government led by President William Ruto, the amount of investment that we have put in education is higher than any investment that we are undertaking as a government. Actually, close to 30 per cent of the national budget is dedicated to education,” he said.
Omollo pointed to progress in implementing the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), saying initial concerns from parents have been addressed, bringing clarity and structure to the system. “Parents were worried how this system was going to work. And in three years, we’ve been able to streamline the process, and now there’s a lot of clarity in terms of how the competency-based education curriculum is being undertaken,” he explained.
ALSO READ:
CS Ogamba orders probe into alleged irregularities in Masinde Muliro University Degrees
He further noted that the government has recruited 100,000 teachers and constructed over 23,000 classrooms in the last three years, strengthening the education sector. Sustained collaboration with Members of Parliament, he added, has ensured continued funding for hiring, training, and infrastructure development to support learning across the country.
“And there is continuous investment with a lot of support from our Members of Parliament in terms of making sure that there is adequate budget to hire, to train, and also to put up and build the infrastructure,” Omollo said.
The PS emphasized that while the government is investing heavily in education, the responsibility also lies with students to make the right choices, avoid destructive habits, and prepare themselves to play a meaningful role in Kenya’s future.
By Masaki Enock
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
