By Peter Mukabi
Drug and substance abuse may lead to infertility and has severe negative effects on the youth. According to Dan Sapiri, a liaison officer in Trans Nzoia County, many young people render themselves unproductive after completing school, as they fail to demonstrate the value of their education due to drug use.
In an exclusive interview with Pepea Radio, Sapiri reiterated that if the government continues to protect drug peddlers, then the country has no secure future. He confirmed that muguka is being distributed in large volumes in the area, which could severely harm the youth.
Research shows that drug use often begins during adolescence, with about 11.7% of boys and 5.4% of girls in schools already abusing drugs. This early exposure puts young people at risk of long-term health problems, including infertility, mental illness, and addiction. National data further indicates that hundreds of thousands of Kenyans are affected by substance abuse, including over 367,000 alcohol users and 259,000 khat (miraa/muguka) users.
Sapiri also noted that many men have abandoned their families and spend most of their time in chang’aa dens. As a result, family breakups are increasing rapidly. This has forced some women to engage in extramarital relationships (“mipango ya kando”), leaving children without proper guidance or stable decision-making environments. According to researchers, three out of every ten women leave their marriages daily, contributing to the rise in single-parent households.
In addition, studies reveal that drug abuse is strongly linked to antisocial behavior. Research in Kenya shows that a large percentage of muguka users are youth, and there is a strong connection between substance abuse and crime. This explains the rising cases of theft and insecurity in areas like Endebess, where many young people engage in criminal activities after becoming addicted.
Furthermore, drug use is associated with risky sexual behavior and poor decision-making. Substances such as muguka and miraa are known to increase libido and lead to irresponsible sexual behavior. This contributes to unstable relationships, unplanned pregnancies, and the growing number of single mothers in society.
The impact on children is severe. Many grow up without proper parental guidance, increasing their chances of engaging in crime or dropping out of school. Studies also indicate that over 50% of households in some communities have at least one member abusing drugs, showing how widespread the problem has become.
Insecurity has worsened as abandoned children often turn to crime, further destabilizing the community. Sapiri is therefore urging the government to begin collecting accurate data to determine the ratio of intact families to abandoned families if it truly intends to keep the country safe.
In conclusion, drug abuse is not just an individual problem but a national crisis affecting youth, families, and security in Endebess. There is an urgent need for the government to strengthen law enforcement against drug peddlers, invest in youth empowerment programs, and address the root causes of substance abuse. Without immediate action, the future of the young generation and the stability of society remain at great risk.
Very true