Meru Woman Rep Declares All-Out War on Youth Addiction in Bold County Campaign
MERU — Meru Woman Representative Karambu Kailemia has launched an aggressive, year-long campaign aimed at addressing the region’s deepening youth addiction crisis. The initiative, branded #KasoberTunawezabila, was unveiled on Tuesday and is set to reach tens of thousands of young people across all six constituencies in Meru County.
The campaign comes amid rising concerns over addiction to drugs, alcohol, and mobile betting platforms among youth under 30. Social workers have reported growing numbers of young people skipping meals to fund gambling habits or borrowing money for food after losing wages on betting apps.
“We are losing an entire generation,” Kailemia warned during the launch. “Young people are spending what little they earn on gambling and drugs instead of food. This is not just a health crisis it’s an economic and moral breakdown.”
The campaign shifts away from traditional enforcement-driven strategies and instead places young people at the forefront of the solution. Local musicians, athletes, artists, and peer mentors will lead a series of awareness events, mentorship programs, and talent shows designed to inspire and guide youth toward recovery and purpose.
“This is the first campaign of its kind in Meru,” Kailemia said. “We’re not scolding youth we’re helping them become the solution.”
She referred to the approach as “practical motherhood,” offering open-door support while demanding personal responsibility. Addressing the crowd directly, she said, “I see myself as your mother. Most of you are like my last-born. But you must be willing to fight for your future.”
The emotional appeal resonated. Some audience members were seen wiping away tears as Kailemia vowed that her office would remain open for individual support.
The campaign’s timing aligns with alarming national trends. Youth unemployment in Kenya stands above 20%, and mental health support remains underfunded. In Meru, addiction rates have reportedly reached crisis levels, with some communities seeing dependency among 9 in 10 young men.
Mobile betting apps have made gambling addiction easier to access than ever before. Kailemia highlighted reports of youth prioritizing bets over basic needs, calling it a symptom of “a society in denial.”
“When a young person chooses gambling over buying sukuma wiki, we have failed,” she said.
Kailemia’s past initiatives have focused on gender-based violence, with programs already running in Meru North. That campaign is expected to expand countywide in parallel with the new addiction response.
To support recovery efforts, plans are underway to establish a dedicated rehabilitation center, anchored in community participation and psychosocial support.
The campaign is expected to host events across Imenti North, Imenti Central, Imenti South, Buuri, Tigania, and Igembe. Youth leaders and community champions have already been enlisted.
Kailemia ended her speech with a clear message: “This is our line in the sand. We are not giving up on our children. We refuse to watch another generation disappear into addiction.”
As Meru County embarks on this grassroots mobilization, its success could serve as a national model or a warning depending on the outcome.
