Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya has called on parents, political and religious leaders to unite and fight radicalisation, drug and substance abuse in the region.
Mvurya said the rate at which drugs and criminal activities are destroying the youth is alarming and needs immediate intervention.
He said many young people consumed Muguka and other drugs that shatter their dreams forever.
"It is not pleasing having our youth trapped in drugs or illegal gangs that each day destroy their lives," he said.
Kwale has more than 13, 000 youth addicted to Muguka and tobacco, according to an Ukunda-based youth affair organisation Teens Watch.
Many have dropped out of school due to mental illnesses while others joined criminal gangs.
Recently, during the ongoing investigations on school unrest, the county security raised an alarm that there was a surging number of children taking various drugs, with bhang being one of the abused.
The use of drugs among the students was also blamed for indiscipline in learning institutions.
It is believed primary school students in lower classes from class four are already trapped in the drugs.
The governor said there is an urgency of collective responsibility in stemming the drugs vice in the region.
He said it is time for everyone to get on board and ensure the youth are rescued and shown the right path.
"Let's work in close relationship in correcting and guiding our children towards living normal and prosperous lives," he said.
He said the youth go through a lot of challenges and it is best if they are frequently monitored and spoken to.
Currently, there are over 900 youths undergoing drug recovery at the Kombani Rehabilitation Centre.
But Mvurya said his government is determined to rehabilitate the addicted ones and end the drugs use completely.
He spoke at Kwale Cultural Centre during the 5th annual Kwale Islamic Youth Conference in Matuga.
Mvurya underscored the need for people to fight radicalisation and crime activities.
The region has for years been in constant security surveillance for having many suspected radicalised youth and criminals.
The region is reported to have at least 1000 radicalised youth.
He urged the youth to shun criminal activities and engage themselves in useful development projects to lead successful lives.
"Young people you must resist any form of misuse, be it during the campaigns or any other time," he said.
He told politicians instead of misusing youth for personal interests they should help them socioeconomically to be self resilient.
The governor told the young people to utilise their youth in education and nurturing talents to sharpen their future.
He said the young people should take advantage of the many opportunities given to them by the county in improving their lives.
"The county pays schools fees up to universities. So there is no excuse why you shouldn't do better. I, therefore, ask you to make use of this chance to build your future," he said.
