A female youth leader and political analyst from Tharaka Nithi county, Kenya, has lamented over a shortage of marriageable men in the region.

Anita Nkirote, who is single, said due to alcoholism, the number of husband materials is alarmingly low in the region.

The University of Nairobi graduate said she had looked for a husband material in Tharaka Nithi and even extended her search to neighbouring Meru county but could not find one.

Speaking during Mt Kenya Foundation meeting with leaders led by One Kenya Alliance (OKA) principals at Safari Park Hotel on Thursday, October 7, Nkirote said alcoholism was also leading to mental health issues in the region.

“This has bedevilled our young men to an extent some of them are not even married. As we speak today, I am not married. I have looked around in Tharaka Nithi and even Meru and it is a big issue,” she said.

The youth leader also urged the politicians to look into the issue of unemployment in Central Kenya.

“The issue of unemployment is caused by a lack of economic expansion. Our economy is not expanding at a fast rate as our young graduates. We are talking about the issues of internship and mentorship for our youth,” she added.