An Evaluation of The Effects Of Chewing Khat ‘Muguka’ Among The Youth In Kenya: A Case Study of Kapomboi Ward, Trans-Nzoia County

Abstract

The objectives of the study was to find out the nature of using muguka among the youth, to examine the psychological influence of muguka use on youth in the study area, to determine the social behavior of youth under muguka use and to explore the physical behavior of youth using muguka on their peers. Among the problems seen were youth dropping out of school, family wrangles, economic instability, health issues and violence rate. The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods. It employed interviews, questionnaires, observation, focused group discussion and key informants. Data was coded and analysed using statistical and analytical techniques The target population was 261 youth. The study recommends legal actions on the peddlers. Stakeholders should be trained on how to handle behavior change. A further recommendation was for this study to be used in government and Non Governmental institution as an evidence of what the youth go through after chewing ‘muguka