Residents of Migori County are calling for urgent intervention from both the national and county governments to address the escalating crisis of drug and alcohol abuse among the youth. Parents and community leaders have emphasized the dire need for a rehabilitation centre within the county to support victims struggling with substance abuse.
Daniel Obonyo, a father from Awendo town, shared his anguish over his son’s addiction, calling for immediate government action. “Drug abuse, unemployment, and insecurity are crippling the economy of this area,” Obonyo said. He attributed the rise in alcoholism and drug use among young people to frustration, as many educated youth remain jobless.
Angela Owiti, another resident, highlighted the financial barriers faced by affected families. “The nearest rehabilitation centres are far away in Homa Bay and other distant areas. Families here cannot afford such services, leaving many young people to succumb to addiction,” Owiti lamented.
The lack of local rehabilitation facilities has exacerbated the problem, with drug abuse often leading to criminal activities and insecurity in the region. Former Migori County Council Chairman Geoffrey Odera suggested that the government could address this by actively recruiting local youth into the military and other national employment programs. “This could help improve their lives while reducing the crime rate and insecurity,” Odera noted.
However, Pamela Ghati, a Rongo University student, expressed concerns about the lack of implementation of youth-targeted policies. She pointed out that constitutional provisions such as allocating a third of government contracts to the youth have not been effectively realized.
“The government must ensure these rights are implemented. Frustration from limited opportunities is pushing many young people toward drugs and criminal activities,” Ghati remarked.
The community’s plea underscores the urgency of establishing a local rehabilitation centre, creating job opportunities, and enforcing constitutional provisions to address the youth’s grievances. As illicit drug use continues to ravage families, Migori residents hope for swift government action to combat the crisis and restore hope among the county’s youth.
