Hundreds of Grade 10 and Form One students benefiting from this year’s Elimu Scholarship Programme have been urged to stay away from drugs, substance abuse and negative peer pressure that could derail their education and jeopardise their future.
The students were also encouraged to seek guidance and support whenever they face challenges rather than turning to drugs or associating with peers who could negatively influence their choices.
The message was delivered during a one-day Jomo Kenyatta Foundation (JKF) Annual Achievers Summit held at Garissa High School, where education and community leaders urged the scholars to remain focused on their studies and personal development.
JKF Garissa County Coordinator Nelson Oloo challenged the learners to set clear goals, maintain discipline and develop good character, saying these qualities could open opportunities for them in the future.
“Through mentorship and interaction with facilitators, we are equipping our scholars with skills in academic excellence, career development, leadership, character formation, resilience, goal setting, responsible decision-making and personal responsibility,” Oloo said.
He said the mentorship programme had also focused on the dangers of drug and substance abuse and the impact they can have on young people’s education, health, relationships and future prospects.
“We are encouraging our scholars to make informed choices, resist negative peer pressure and seek help when they encounter challenges,” Oloo added.
The summit also highlighted concerns over drug abuse among young people in Garissa and the wider North Eastern region.
Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) Chairperson Sheikh Hassan Abdi described drug abuse as a major challenge in the region and called on the students to become part of efforts to reverse the trend.
He said the use of intoxicating substances was prohibited under Islam, urging the learners to uphold values that would protect their education and future.
“The problem we have in Garissa town and the larger North Eastern region, which is inhabited by Muslims, is our youth who are abusing drugs. Anything that changes your good deeds and interferes with your mind is haram,” Sheikh Hassan said.
He warned that substance abuse was also affecting students’ ability to attend school and concentrate in class.
“Most learners are not going to school due to the use of drugs, and when they go, their concentration in class is limited. We want you to be the role models, avoid drugs and study hard so that you may achieve your dreams,” he said.
Korakora Assistant County Commissioner Paul Omondi urged the students to be cautious about the different forms of pressure they may encounter as young people, including influence from friends, social media and curiosity.
He warned against experimenting with drugs, saying seemingly harmless decisions could have serious consequences for their lives and ambitions.
“As a young person, you may encounter many forms of pressure, either from friends, social media or curiosity. You will have friends telling you, ‘Just try; it does not harm.’ I talk to you as my young brothers and sisters: please do not engage in drugs,” Omondi said.
He said authorities had witnessed cases where substance abuse had contributed to loss of life and the destruction of promising futures.
“We have seen lives lost, we have seen the dreams of very bright students lost, and I kindly beseech you not to take that direction. Do not experiment with drugs and substance abuse with your lives or your future,” he added.
The officials urged the Elimu scholars to take advantage of the opportunities provided through the scholarship and mentorship programmes, remain focused on their education and seek help whenever they encounter difficulties.
The summit was aimed at strengthening mentorship, leadership and life skills among the scholars while preparing them to make responsible decisions as they pursue their education and future careers.
