Government has been urged to develop youth-led activities to keep them away from drug abuse.
Laikipia County Chief Executive Committee (CEC) in charge of Trade, youths and cooperatives Stephen Kisorio said keeping youth busy ensures they don’t engage in criminal activities.
“In Kenya most of the youth are currently facing so many challenges on drug abuse and the only way we can keep them away from this menace is the government to come up with activities that are involving youth,” said Kisorio.
He said, in the coming days, Laikipia governor Joshua Irungu is set to launch the governor’s cup where the winners will walk away with one million.
“One of the activities of the county government is to make sure that the youths are involved in sports and we are currently planning for the governor’s cup that will involve all the youths and we will keep them busy for over eight months,” revealed the CEC.
He pointed out that they also target to construct ICT centres across the county aimed at ensuring youth access information and engage in online businesses.
Kisorio further urged youth to apply for the Hustler fund initiative and use it rightfully to generate extra income.
“I call upon the youth to be patient and do the right thing , there is no short cut to success , you must build step by step ,” said the CEC.
The government has disbursed over Sh 13.34 billion and the amount saved is over Sh.650 million with least 17.4 million Kenyans have benefitting.
Kisorio was speaking at a youth function dubbed ‘’kaa sober’’ campaign where youths in the county showcased their talents and aimed at creating awareness against drug abuse.
The event supported by local leaders and business community to enable youth showcase their prowess in dancing, singing, fashion and modelling.The winners walked away with Sh 20,000, second runners up got Sh 10,000 and third category got Sh 5,000, the rest of the participants were awarded certificates.
“After realising we had recorded over eight cases of suicide in Nanyuki town recently, we came together as young people to establish what was the main issue. We have realised it is social -economic and most of the youths whenever they feel challenged they resort to using drugs ,” said Patrick Wahome, one of the event organizers and a Nanyuki based youth.
Felista Vanessa who is a high school student was crowned the winner of Kaa sober modelling category and she said the activity had kept them busy especially during this holiday.