Reformed drug addicts in Mombasa County have asked the government to put up women rehabilitation centres in the six sub-counties saying the facilities do not exist despite a surge of drug addicts.

The once drug addicts point out that there are no such facilities to cater for the needs of women addicts.

While speaking during a second annual peace summit in Kisauni Sub County on Thursday, Faiza Jalal a reformed woman asked the government to assist reformed drug addicts saying most of them depend on family members for their upkeep.

“We have no women rehabilitation centres in Mombasa County. Not even one. We do not have a shelter,” said Ms Jalal.

She urged youths to refrain from abusing drugs.

Stigma and discrimination. a challenge to reformed youths

Saidi Muhsin, a reformed youth from Kisauni Sub County said most youths join extremist groups due to lack of employment opportunities.

Muhsin cites stigma and discrimination as some of the challenges facing reformed youths.

He also cites peer influence and lack of information on the negative effects of indulging in extremism.

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“Most of the youths join extremist groups due to lack of information among other life challenges. Little or no education is another challenge altogether,” said Muhsin.

Muhsin who also doubles as a thespian urged family members to support youth willing to reform saying the family plays a fundamental role in bringing up morally upright citizens.

He says to avoid youths joining extremist groups there is a need for the society to embrace traditional customs and practice.

The thespian noted “We have to embrace anyone willing to reform. Families play a critical role,”

Muhsin however accused the government on claims of failure to promote local talents.

“There are dozens of talents at the grassroots level. The problem is that the government does nothing about it,” said Muhsin

Ensure peace prevails

Meanwhile, Kisauni sub-county assistant county commissioner Benjamin Birech urged the youths to ensure peace prevails in the sub-county.

Birech said the government has been able to cushion youths with economic programs including among others the Kazi Mtaani which he adds has empowered them economically.

He says drug and substance abuse is a critical challenge in the sub-county.

“It is high time youths in this sub-county change this narrative that has been going on in Kisauni. You are the change on the ground,” he said.

Youth join extremist groups

Dream Achievers Youth Organisation programmes coordinator Enos Opiyo says the programs aim at curbing young people from joining extremist groups.

He also notes that through the programme, young people are provided with both psychosocial and financial support in a bid to address the challenge of unemployment.

“This is the second annual peace summit in Kisauni Sub County.

The forum dubbed #Kisaunimwamkompya organised by Dream Achievers Youth Organisation brought together over 90 youths from Kisauni sub-county.