The battle against drug trafficking in Marsabit County’s border region has extended to educational institutions, where clubs aimed at combating drug and substance abuse have emerged.
The proliferation of this menace among high school students and other learners has reached concerning levels, prompting calls for intensified awareness campaigns against this vice.
During an anti-drug abuse and substance abuse campaign organized by the National Authority for the Control of Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) for secondary schools in Saku constituency at the local Catholic Hall, stakeholders highlighted the threat posed by the problem to the youth generation in Marsabit County.
Acknowledging the need for collaborative efforts to address the menace, Marsabit ACK bishop Daniel Qampicha noted the adverse effects of drug abuse even within places of worship. He observed a decline in the number of youth participating in religious activities and an increase in disruptive behavior among them.
Bishop Qampicha emphasized the importance of strategic campaign programs, urging the government to declare drug and substance abuse a national disaster to facilitate comprehensive intervention measures.
Concerns were also raised about rising divorce rates and gender-based violence among youth couples, underscoring the urgency of the situation to prevent the loss of an entire generation.
In response, anti-drug and substance abuse clubs were launched in 14 secondary schools within the constituency, as part of a concerted effort to raise awareness not only among students but also the wider youth population.
County commissioner Nobert Komora emphasized the significance of sustaining awareness efforts, particularly among students, amid concerns about the infiltration of drugs into learning institutions. He reiterated the government’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and urged parents to actively participate in shaping their children’s character.
Students highlighted the vulnerability of their fraternity to drug abuse, citing the ready availability of drugs in Marsabit town and residential areas. They emphasized the role of peer pressure and easy access to drugs, particularly marijuana and khat, in fueling experimentation among their peers.
Drug and substance abuse were also linked to increased risk of premature and risky sexual activities among students, contributing to the persistent prevalence of teenage pregnancies and diseases.
Local law enforcement authorities echoed the gravity of the situation, acknowledging drug abuse as a significant challenge facing the community, particularly the youth. Plans for open forums to address the issue were welcomed as crucial steps toward raising awareness and fostering community action.
Efforts to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse include the establishment of anti-drug clubs comprising diverse members expected to drive awareness campaigns within schools. Additionally, there were calls for the establishment of a rehabilitation center in the county to provide comprehensive care for individuals recovering from addiction.
The event provided a platform for inmates from the Marsabit GK prison depot to share their experiences, highlighting the detrimental impact of drug peddling on their lives and the need for intervention measures to prevent further harm.
