A Kericho-based anti-drug activist has called on stakeholders in the county to step up efforts in the fight against drug and alcohol abuse.
The activist, Mr William Rotich, cautioned that the vice is rapidly spreading among the youth and threatening to reverse the gains made in education, health and economic development.
In an interview with KNA, Rotich warned that the increasing availability of illicit brews and narcotic substances has made it easier for young people to fall into addictions.
“In Kericho County, particularly within the township areas, we are witnessing worrying gaps in enforcement. The widespread availability of cheap liquor, changaa, spirits and bhang points to lax oversight with little visible effort from enforcement officers.
There are growing concerns that corruption, where money changes hands, is allowing illegal activities to continue unchecked. These weaknesses in enforcement are exposing more young people to substance abuse, regretted Rotich.
The activist, who is also a certified mental health counsellor, noted that many youths seeking help had been battling substance abuse for years and there was a need for timely interventions by both the county and national governments.
“I have been working closely with youths struggling with addiction for over five years and in my sessions I have observed that many are high school, college or university dropouts.
On average, I see about four youths a month, typically aged 15 to 20 years. Rehabilitation is expensive and is not often that an addict recovers fully after undergoing this programme,” noted Rotich.
According to Rotich, alcohol and drug abuse continue to have serious effects on mental health by impairing brain function.
“Alcohol abuse is a major contributor to mental health problems, as it interferes with normal brain function. When a person is intoxicated, their ability to think clearly and make sound decisions is compromised. Prolonged addiction often leads to noticeable behavioural changes, with some engaging in lawlessness and others exhibiting suicidal thoughts,” he added.
He urged county leaders, security agencies and community organisations to strengthen enforcement measures, intensify public awareness campaigns and support rehabilitation programmes for those affected while also creating youth empowerment initiatives to address unemployment.
“Efforts to fight this vice must be collective. We need consistent crackdowns, but also support systems to help those already affected to recover and rebuild their lives,” noted Rotich.
He also challenged local administrators to crack down on illegal outlets and drug peddlers, warning that the school holidays could expose more young people to substance abuse if enforcement is not stepped up.
“With schools closing for the April holidays, there is an urgent need for authorities to prioritize strict enforcement measures to protect the youth,” urged Rotich.
Illicit brew and alcoholic drink enterprises and rampant bhang uptake among our young people have to be checked. Their addiction leads to decreased productivity and increased absenteeism among youths enrolled in learning institutions as well as school dropouts, all of which undermine efforts to build a skilled and reliable workforce.
By Sarah Njagi
