As illicit drug use continues to devastate the youth in Migori County, parents are urging both the national and county governments to prioritize the establishment of a rehabilitation centre to assist victims.
Parents are calling for the construction of a facility dedicated to counselling and rehabilitating youth struggling with substance abuse.
Daniel Obonyo, a father from Awendo town, shared his concerns with KNA about his son’s alcohol and drug abuse, pleading for urgent government intervention.
“I urge the government to take serious action to address the challenges of drug abuse, unemployment, and insecurity that are threatening the economy of this area,” Obonyo said.
He attributed the high rate of alcoholism among the youth to frustration, highlighting that many are highly educated but remain unemployed.
Angela Owiti, a resident of Migori, pointed out that many young people who abuse drugs come from poor families unable to afford rehabilitation.
“The nearest rehabilitation centres are in Homa Bay and other distant areas. Families have no option but to watch as their children succumb to the dangers of drug abuse,” Owiti lamented.
Former Migori County Council Chairman Geoffrey Odera suggested that the government consider the youth for easier recruitment into the military and national employment programs.
He believes this could help improve their lives and reduce criminal activities that have fueled insecurity in the region.
However, Rongo University student Pamela Ghati expressed concerns about the youth’s rights under the Constitution.
She claimed that despite constitutional guarantees for fair treatment and employment opportunities for the youth, these rights are often neglected.
“The Constitution stipulates that a third of government contracts should be awarded to the youth, but this has remained largely on paper,” Ghati said.
“The continued frustration of the youth, with limited opportunities and support, drives many to drugs and criminal activities as a way of coping with stress.”
The residents of Migori County are urging swift action from both levels of government to provide support for the youth, curb the growing drug abuse problem, and offer viable alternatives to drug abuse and criminal activity.
