An awareness design|PHOTO COURTESY|
As Illicit drugs continue to wreak havoc on the youth in Migori County, parents are urging the two levels of government to help rehabilitate the victims.
They are calling on both governments to prioritise the establishment of a rehabilitation centre to counsel and support affected youth.
Mr. Daniel Obonyo, a resident of Awendo town, shared the struggles of his son, who abuses alcohol and drugs. He pleaded with officials from both the national and county governments to allocate funds for constructing a facility to help those struggling with substance abuse.
“I urge the government to urgently address drug abuse, unemployment, and insecurity, which are tearing apart our economy,” said Mr. Obonyo.
He attributed the high rate of alcoholism among local youth to joblessness, despite many being highly educated.
In Migori town, Mrs. Angela Owiti noted that most drug-abusing youth come from poor families that cannot afford rehabilitation.
“The only rehabilitation centres are in Homa Bay and other distant areas. Families are forced to watch helplessly as their loved ones succumb to drug abuse,” she lamented.
Former Migori County Council Chairman Geoffrey Odera suggested that youth be prioritised in military recruitment and other national employment initiatives.
He argued this would help them lead productive lives and reduce the criminal activities that have contributed to rising insecurity in the area.
Miss Pamela Ghati, a student at Rongo University, criticised the lack of proper implementation of constitutional rights for youth.
She said bureaucratic hurdles have continued to sideline young people, denying them economic opportunities.
“The constitution mandates that a third of government contracts go to the youth. However, this remains theoretical, forcing frustrated youth to turn to drugs and crime to cope with stress,” said Miss Ghati.
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