The drug abuse menace in Bungoma County has affected many youths, especially school going children, notably girls, according to the National Youth Council chapter chairman Moses Wanyama. Speaking in Webuye, he said that it’s sad that many leaders have turned a blind eye to the situation, as the problem has shifted form the urban area to the villages.
Wanyama has urged the County leadership through the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Gender to come yup with projects that will keep the youths occupied, especially Form Four leavers, so that they can reduce the rate of drug abuse, and subsequently, also reduce crime rate.
He has also challenged teachers in schools and universities to start programs geared towards guiding and counselling students on matters drug abuse, given that some engage in these activities due to lack of guidance and as a result of peer pressure. He said as a Council, they’ve put up measures and plans to spread awareness on drug abuse, set to be shared on February 14th. Moreover, Wanyama faulted the Youths, Sports and Gender ministry for failing to fund youth programs, as compared to Kakamega County and appealed to MCAs to intervene and ensure more funds are allocated.