A lobby group has called for concerted efforts in addressing drug abuse among youth in Nakuru slums.
Speaking at Bondeni Primary School in Biashara Ward on Saturday during the graduation of over 100 boys who had undergone circumcision, Bondeni Community Empowerment coordinator Mr Benson Muchiri asked parents to take their parental responsibilities seriously.
According to Muchiri, youth in society should be mentored by addressing the challenges they are facing among them drug and substance abuse.
He said the more than 100 boys who had undergone circumcision, as well as over 20 girls who have undergone an alternative rite of passage at the school, have been empowered with various skills. He added that he is optimistic they will be anti-drugs ambassadors in the community.
“Our message is that these youth can be ambassadors to others in the society so that we can have a drug free society,” said Muchiri.
The programme targets youth in Flamingo, Biashara and Kivumbini wards in Nakuru East sub-county.
Mr Muchiri said they will continue to engage stakeholders on the same and ensure the issues of drug abuse and early marriages are addressed.
“We came up with this programme because of the challenges facing youths in our society and we look forward to having the same every year,” said Muchiri.
He also called on parents to work closely with other stakeholders in ensuring that youth in society are mentored and empowered.
His sentiments were echoed by Baharini Community Residents Association chairman Maurice Otieno who called on parents not to ignore their responsibility in shaping the youth's future.
“As a residents' association, our aim is to ensure that our society is safe and that our youth are also safe from drugs and early marriages,” said Otieno.
The function was also attended by Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika, Speaker Joel Maina Kairu, MCAs Peter Njoroge Wanyaguthii (Biashara), Eddy Kiragu (Flamingo) and Joyce Anyiso (nominated).