Interior and National Administration Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has raised alarm over increasing cases of drug and substance abuse among young people, urging students to avoid harmful habits and focus on their future.
Speaking on Tuesday during a student engagement forum at Utumishi Boys Academy in Gilgil, Omollo said drug abuse remains one of the biggest challenges facing the country’s youth.
“One of the biggest issues that we are struggling with is drug and substance abuse,” he said.
“Please do not fall prey to it. Be careful about the friends you keep and stay away from drugs, because they can deny you the opportunity to succeed and contribute positively to the country,” he added .
The PS warned that involvement in drugs could easily derail students’ ambitions and limit their chances of achieving their goals.
He encouraged learners to embrace discipline and make choices that will build their future rather than destroy it.
At the same time, Omollo highlighted the government’s continued investment in education under President William Ruto, noting that the sector receives the largest share of the national budget.
He said nearly 30 per cent of government spending is directed towards education, reflecting its importance in national development.
“The Government has maintained a strong focus on education and youth development, allocating close to 30% of the national budget to the sector,” PS Omollo affirmed.
He also pointed to progress made in implementing the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), saying concerns raised by parents in the early stages have largely been addressed.
According to him, the system is now clearer and more structured, making it easier for learners and teachers to adapt.
Omollo further noted that the government has made significant strides in improving the education sector, including the recruitment of about 100,000 teachers and the construction of more than 23,000 classrooms over the past three years.
He added that collaboration with Members of Parliament has helped secure funding for hiring, training, and infrastructure development.
