A recent report by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has revealed that 53% of Kenyans have used drugs at some point in their lives, with young female students leading in usage over their male counterparts. This alarming statistic has spurred the Lakeside City Scholars Association (LCSA), a group of university students and alumni, into action. Their mission: to mentor high school students on the dangers of drug and substance abuse.
Speaking on Tuesday at Lions High School in Kisumu during a mentorship session, LCSA Chairperson Raphael Oguk emphasized the importance of engaging students in open conversations about drug-related challenges.
“Our mentorship program highlights the dangers of drug abuse and the challenges it brings. As scholars, we speak the language of students, making it easier for them to understand, open up and learn how to deal with addiction,” said Oguk. He added that LCSA is closely collaborating with NACADA and other organizations, such as Blue Cross, to offer support to affected students.
Oguk clarified that Lions High School was not selected because of any specific drug-related cases but because it was first on their awareness calendar. The school, being a day school, draws many students from Kisumu’s informal settlements—Obunga, Manyatta, and Nyalenda—where illegal drug trade is prevalent. Program Coordinator Alice Otieno echoed these concerns, emphasizing the importance of providing students with a safe space to discuss their struggles.
Despite their efforts, LCSA members face challenges in running the mentorship program. Alphonse Omondi, an LCSA mentor, cited financial constraints and accessibility issues as major hurdles.
“As students ourselves, it is difficult to balance our academic schedules with mentorship activities. Financial limitations also prevent some members from traveling to Kisumu for sessions. Additionally, obtaining accurate statistics on the impact of our program is difficult due to frequent teacher transfers,” Omondi explained.
Monica Okoth, a guidance and counseling teacher at Lions High School, praised LCSA’s efforts, noting that drug abuse remains a concern among students, particularly those from informal settlements.
“Though drug abuse is not rampant in our school, we ensure we involve experts in mentorship programs to keep it that way. Having young mentors who understand students’ struggles makes a huge difference,” said Okoth.
Lions High School Deputy Principal Owira Amoth also acknowledged the challenges of drug abuse among students, stating that some attempt to smuggle substances into school. He stressed the importance of sensitization and mentorship as effective deterrents.
“We use various strategies, including student prefects and external mentorship talks, to address this issue. If you communicate with students on their level, they are more likely to open up,” said Amoth.
He also highlighted the role of law enforcement in tackling the issue, recalling a past visit by security personnel from Nairobi, who used sniffer dogs to detect illegal substances. The fear of being caught, coupled with the risk of criminal charges, has deterred some students from drug use.
Amoth urged parents to take a more active role in their children’s lives, emphasizing that drug prevention should start at home.
“Parents are busier than ever, and that disconnect can push children toward bad influences. Drug education should not be left solely to teachers—parents need to talk to their children about substance abuse. If we work together, we can guide them toward better choices,” he advised.
For students struggling with addiction, the school refers them to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital for counseling and treatment.
LCSA’s mentorship program is set to continue in other schools across Kisumu County, with hopes of reducing drug abuse and empowering students to make informed choices. Their message is clear: awareness, education, and mentorship are key to breaking the cycle of substance abuse among young people.
