Kiambu Women Representative Ann Nyokabi wants youths in the county to shun drug abuse and take part in development.
Speaking to the press after addressing youth groups in Kiambu on Friday, the women leader said the number of young people engaging in crime and unlawful acts is worrying.
The women representative blamed idleness, lack of job opportunities, peer pressure and lack of parental guidance to the rise in cases of drug abuse among the youths.
Nyokabi warned that if nothing is done urgently, the county could lose its youthful population.
“We need urgent measures to protect our youths from being consumed by drugs, prostitution and other things,” she emphasised.
The women representative said that drug abuse would be effectively curbed if more job opportunities are created.
Nyokabi further said there is need for leaders to take seriously matters facing especially young people.
She added that unemployment remains a big problem that has resulted to other issues like theft and prostitution.
The women representative appealed to parents and guardians to take up their roles seriously and nurture their kids in the right and acceptable manner.
She at the same time asked the county government to set aside funds that would be used to carry-out sensitization campaigns that will educate the youths on effects of drug abuse.
Nyokabi urged young people to exercise discipline and stay away from activities that will negatively impact on their lives.