A section of youth in Elgeyo Marakwet County is now blaming the high unemployment rate amongst them to the rising cases of use of bhang and other illegal substances.
The youth lament that the majority of them despite having diplomas and degrees, are yet to secure jobs that would help them earn a living.
Speaking at Kapsowar in Marakwet West Sub County, the youths led by Titus Kemboi noted that as a result of being jobless, they are usually idle, leaving them with no option but to engage in bhang consuming and other unproductive activities.
“There is nothing we can do, we have no jobs, many of us are idle, pushing them into drugs,” noted Kemboi.
He challenged devolved units and the national government to find ways that will help empower the youth.
“The issue of drug abuse is very high among the youth here. We need our leaders to step in and offer solutions through supporting programs that can help nurture talents and enable us to earn a living,” noted Kemboi.
“Here at Kapsowar, many of us youths are idle and jobless. We have talents but it is not helping us as we have no one to help nurture them. Some of us have opted to smoke bhang, others have turned mad as a result,” added Caroline Chelimo, a youth from the area.
The youths now want elected leaders to start helping them now, instead of waiting until when it is elections time to start issuing unrealistic promises.
