The National Authority for the Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NACADA) has launched a multi-sectoral campaign against drug and substance abuse in Western Kenya.
The agency, in conjunction with the National Government Administration (NGAO) officials and other partners has launched the sensitization campaign to raise awareness among the residents about the detrimental effects of drug and substance abuse during this festive season.
Kakamega Central County Commissioner Christine Chacha, the Kakamega County Secretary Lawrence Omuhaka and the Vice- Chancellor of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology Prof. Solomon Shibairo officially flagged off the campaign in Kakamega.
Chacha called for collaborative action against alcohol and drug abuse, saying the fight against the vice can only be won through concerted efforts of all stakeholders.
“The fight against illegal substances and drug abuse can only be won through concerted efforts of all stakeholders and I urge all of us to work together in order to win the war,” she pleaded.
Mrs. Chacha said the problem of drug use and abuse requires change in behavior and attitude.
The DCC asked the parents and members of the public to be wary of some unscrupulous businesses who sell confectionaries, saying some of them are laced with drugs.
“Please help us with information about cases of children frequenting certain kiosks, because they are likely to be involved in purchase of illicit business.” she warned.
She said national government administration officials are on full alert during this festive season since many people tend to over-indulgence.
She said the government will sustain the continuous crackdown against illicit brewers and urged the public to assist with any information about the complicity of police officers.
“Give us information, we follow on such officers who are few,” she added.
The County Secretary noted that NACADA has ranked Western region as leading in illicit alcohol and drug abuse in the country.
He noted that NACADA rates the regions at 23.8 percent followed by Coast and Central regions at 13.9 percent and 13.8 percent respectively in consumption of illicit alcohol and drug abuse.
He said it has negatively impacted the local community with increased cases of sexual and gender-based violence and insecurity as well as rise in new HIV infection.
Omuhaka said the issuance of alcohol and drinks licenses has been streamlined and involves relevant county and national government agencies.
“We only issue temporary permits to those who sell busaa, if anybody is found selling chang’aa, he must be arrested to face the law,” he added.
Prof. Shibairo said the university was home to a youthful population of about 22,000 students who are hyperactive.
“We are working together with all stakeholders to ensure they get the knowledge so that they do not fall prey to bad behavior,” he added.
“We encourage them to live responsible lives and we also provide them with co-curricular activities to keep them busy,” the Prof. explained.
NACADA Western Kenya regional Manager Eunice Arubia said the agency is keen to ensure the high consumption of illicit and drug abuse in the region is curbed.
She said there was also an increase in abuse of prescription drugs among the young people as well as an increase in lifestyle diseases due to the menace,” she added.
“We are concerned that there are increasing cases of marijuana (bhang) consumption in this region and this must be addressed,” she warned.
By George Kaiga
