By KPC Reporter
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has warned of rising drug and substance abuse among young people, especially school-going children, saying the trend is increasingly alarming.
Speaking Thursday evening in Kirinyaga County during an Iftar dinner she hosted for Muslim faithful, Muthoni attributed the rise in drug use to changing times and the easy availability of substances even outside school compounds.
The PS warned that children are being introduced to harmful substances such as cigarettes, bhang and vapes at an early age, putting their health and future at risk.
She expressed concern that some traders are prioritizing profit over the well-being of society, saying certain businessmen are increasingly supplying drugs without regard for the consequences on young people.
The PS called on religious leaders, particularly imams, to play a more active role in mentoring and guiding the younger generation.
She urged them to take keen interest in nurturing children and helping steer them away from drugs and other harmful behaviors.
According to Muthoni, the worrying trend of drug abuse is now cutting across school-going children, making it a growing public health concern that requires collective action from parents, teachers, religious leaders and the wider community.
She also urged Muslim faithful observing the holy month of Ramadan to remain mindful of others and reflect on the core teachings of compassion, discipline and responsibility associated with the season.
During the event, Muthoni reiterated her support for the development agenda of William Ruto, noting that the administration is implementing projects aimed at improving key sectors such as agriculture and health for the benefit of Kenyans.