Kiambu County Youth Affairs Chief Officer Marie Mugo has called on youths in the county to shun drug abuse and take part in relevant activities.
Speaking from her office on Thursday, the officer said that a large percentage of youths in the county are drug addicts.
The official attributed the situation to unemployment which she said has caused depression among the youths.
“Many of our youths have resulted to abusing drugs due to lack of job opportunities,” she said. Mugo said that the county government recognises the problem as a threat to development.
She said that various initiatives have been taken to curb the problem adding that the county is working towards creating job opportunities for the youth.
She said: “The young people, women and persons with disabilities in the county should apply for government loans. This is one of the ways that will help curb unemployment, drug abuse and other challenges facing the youths.”
Mugo also appealed to area leaders to get involved and come up with solutions to some of the challenges facing the youth.