Arise Media 
BY RITA MUTHONI
A group of 150 elders from Gatoori village in Manyatta constituency, Embu County, has launched an ambitious program aimed at curbing the escalating issue of drug abuse and anti-social behavior among local youth.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Urumwe Self-Help Group, seeks to engage the youth in sports and mentorship activities to help them unlock their potential while avoiding harmful habits.
Antony Murithi, the team manager of Urumwe Football Club and a key figure in the initiative, expressed concern over the rising number of young men falling victim to drug addiction, noting that many have untapped potential in sports.
“We have seen many young men wasting their potential due to drug abuse and other immoral behavior. As elders, we formed a football club and other sporting activities to guide them and nurture their skills,” Murithi said.
The group recently organized the Urumwe Marathon at Gatoori Primary School, featuring a 5-kilometer race for older participants and a 2-kilometer race for younger children to reach more youth.
The event marks the beginning of a broader plan to identify and nurture talent through football, athletics, volleyball, and rugby.
Over 100 young people have participated in the program so far, and more are expected to join.
However, the group faces significant challenges, including poor road networks and inadequate sports facilities.
Murithi highlighted these obstacles, calling on the county government and national sports organizations such as Athletics Kenya and the Football Kenya Federation to help improve infrastructure in rural areas.
“We are urging the county leadership and national sports bodies to support us in developing these talents so that more youth from rural areas can compete at the international level,” he added.
The initiative, launched in January 2024, aims to provide local youth with a positive outlet while combating the growing drug abuse problem that has plagued the area.
As the elders continue to mentor and support young people, they hope their efforts will help restore a sense of pride and purpose among the youth in the area.
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