Kericho: A Kericho-based anti-drug activist is urging the County Government of Kericho to collaborate with the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) to establish community preventive awareness centers. The initiative aims to educate the youth on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse to curb the rising tide of addiction in the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, NACADA Ambassador William Rotich emphasized that preventive and advocacy measures are crucial in combating drug and alcohol abuse among the youth in the county, as it poses a significant threat. Ambassador Rotich highlighted the necessity for the county government to partner with NACADA to implement community education prevention and advocacy programs, particularly targeting schools, colleges, and institutions of higher learning where discussions on the issue are limited.
Ambassador Rotich pointed out the evident drug and alcohol abuse in the county, stressing the need for concerted efforts among stakeholders in national and county governments to eradicate these issues, especially in schools. He expressed concern over the prevalence of illicit brews, second-generation alcoholic drinks, and rampant drug use among young learners across the country.
Addressing the challenges of treating addiction, the anti-drug activist noted that care for youth battling addictions is expensive, urging the county government to support the establishment of affordable rehabilitation centers. The current facilities in the county are private and costly, making them inaccessible to many young people from poor backgrounds who cannot afford the Sh180,000 needed for a six-month treatment program.
Ambassador Rotich also called on secondary school boards to exercise vigilance and implement stringent measures to prevent drug and alcohol abuse among students. He noted the easy access to second-generation alcoholic drinks and bhang, especially during school visiting days, and stressed the need for school-based prevention intervention awareness programs facilitated by trained counselors.
Furthermore, Ambassador Rotich advocated for engaging communities through local churches and trained counselors to effectively communicate anti-drug and alcohol messages to the youth. He appealed to local administration, police, county leadership, and relevant stakeholders to unite in the fight against drug and alcohol abuse, which threatens the future of many youths.