Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has shed light on the profound challenges that the administration of President William Ruto faced due to the rampant alcoholism among Kenyan youth. This issue emerged as a significant barrier to government employment initiatives when the new regime took office.
Gachagua expressed concern over the pervasive presence of liquor stores across trading centers nationwide. He noted that nearly all shops in these areas had been transformed into licensed liquor outlets, with some county governments even promoting the sale of illicit alcohol. This situation contributed to a troubling rise in alcohol dependency among the youth, severely impacting their participation in government job schemes.
During a speech on Saturday, Gachagua highlighted a particularly stark example of this issue. The government had planned to employ young people for a road construction project, specifically for murraming—a process of improving road surfaces with a gravel-like material. However, the turnout was alarmingly low. “We reached a point where we could not get young people to work. We had some work to murram some roads but some did not show up. Those who came left once they were paid,” he recounted.
This lack of engagement from the youth, Gachagua explained, forced the government to rethink its strategy. In response, job opportunities were extended to women and young girls within the community. This adjustment, while beneficial, underscored the severity of the alcoholism crisis and its direct impact on the workforce.
Determined to address the issue, Gachagua took on the challenge of curbing alcoholism head-on. His efforts have yielded visible benefits, particularly in the Mt Kenya region, where the negative trend has begun to reverse. This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to rehabilitate and reintegrate young people into the workforce, fostering a more productive and healthy society.
The Deputy President’s revelations highlight the urgent need for comprehensive policies and community-based interventions to combat alcoholism. Addressing this issue is crucial not only for the well-being of the youth but also for the effective implementation of government projects and the overall economic development of the country.
As the government continues to tackle this menace, it is essential to build sustainable support systems that include education, rehabilitation programs, and stringent regulations on alcohol sales. By doing so, Kenya can pave the way for a brighter future for its youth and ensure that they play a vital role in the nation’s progress.
