Trans Nzoia Deputy Governor Philomena Kapkory has cautioned young people against drug and substance abuse, noting that the vice is threatening the country’s future and wasting the potential of promising youth.
Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations at St. Mark’s Boys High School in Cherang’any, DG Kapkory urged students to stay focused on their education and avoid destructive behaviours.
“Please students, don’t destroy your future by involving yourselves in drugs and substance abuse. It has ruined the lives of many bright youth in this country, and we must fight against it,” she said.
She noted that while Kenyans are celebrating national heroes, the youth should also strive to be remembered as future heroes by making responsible choices.
Kapkory warned that addiction not only affects health but also limits employment opportunities, saying most employers are reluctant to hire individuals struggling with substance abuse.
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“When one becomes addicted, it becomes very difficult to secure a job even if you’re qualified. No employer wants to take such a risk,” she said.
The Deputy Governor called on security agencies, local leaders, and community members to work together to curb the growing menace, describing drug abuse as a national concern that requires collective effort.
She also raised concern over the increasing number of teenage mothers in Trans Nzoia County, saying the current rate stands at 18 per cent.
“This number is too high. I am speaking to both boys and girls, there is an urgent need for sensitization meetings across the county to promote discipline and awareness among our teens,” she said.
She urged students to remain committed to their studies, emphasizing that education is the surest path to a better future.
Leaders from across Trans Nzoia echoed the Deputy Governor’s remarks, expressing alarm over the rising cases of drug and substance abuse among youth in Cherang’any Sub-county.
Kaplamai MCA Daniel Mosbei decried that most of the youth in his ward had fallen victim to drug addiction, calling it a major obstacle to development.
“In my ward, many youths have indulged in illicit brew and drugs. They are now prisoners of addiction. I urge the County Commissioner to come up with concrete measures to address this menace,” said Mosbei.
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Statunga MCA Simion Murei lamented that a factory in the Maili Saba area is producing large quantities of illicit brew, attracting youth in the area.
“There’s a factory producing dangerous brew, and youths are flocking there daily. I’ve seen young men spend the whole day drunk in dens, they don’t even have time to bathe,” he said.
Motosiet MCA Jackline Kurgat said her ward has lost several young people to drug-related deaths, revealing that in the past two days, the community had held two fundraisers for burials.
“This is heartbreaking. We cannot sit and watch our youth perish. I call upon the County Commissioner and local administrators to pull up their socks and arrest those selling these harmful substances,” said Kurgat.
The leaders called for intensified sensitization campaigns, stricter enforcement, and greater community involvement in identifying and reporting drug peddlers.
“Protecting our youth is protecting our future,” Kapkory concluded.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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