The National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has released their 2022 report on the status of drug and substance abuse in Kenya.
The survey, which was conducted at intervals of five years to assess the effectiveness of reduction programmes implemented in the last five years, has seen its findings used to inform evidence-based policies for the next five-year programing phase.
The national survey, having used a cross-sectional study design to provide reliable indicators, sampled out Kenyans aged 15 to 65 years obtained from Kenya Household Master Sample Frame (K- HMSF).
From the report, tobacco products, Alcohol and khat have had the highest overall awareness at 97 percent, 95 percent and 88 percent respectively.
With children as young as six years suspected to begin using these drugs especially tobacco, the report also revealed that the average age for initiation of tobacco, alcohol, khat, cannabis among other drugs was 16 to 20 years.
In part, the report read that one in every six Kenyans between 15 to 65 years of age, are currently using at least one drug. However, 1 in every 3 males and 1 in every 16 females are using at least one of the drugs.
According to the report, alcohol continues to be the widely used substance in Kenya with findings pointing towards increasing demand for cheaper and readily available alcoholic products especially chang’aa.
Speaking during the event in Nairobi, Ministry of Interior and National Coordination Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Raymond Omollo insisted on the collaboration between the County and National governments in order to scale up effectiveness to control the production and consumption of illicit brew.
“There will be collaboration between the national and county government to scale up the joint effort to control the production, distribution, sale and consumption of illicit brews,” Omollo reiterated.
The PS urged the County governments to review the licensing regime and incorporate public participation to regulate the increased rate of liquor selling outlets.
He also observed that educating the youth on the myths, misinformation and misconceptions of cannabis use will help mitigate the rate of consumption.
From the findings, the western region has had the highest prevalence of current use of at least one drug of abuse followed in succession by the Eastern region and Nairobi.
“It is stipulated that the 25 to 35 years age group that is out of school is identified as the most vulnerable group of drugs and substance use and dependence,” the report divulged.
The report also exposed the online sale of drugs which poses serious public health safety concerns as well as regulatory challenges that include, among others, access by underage children.
By Enrica Amisi
