The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has started a public awareness campaign aimed at educating Makueni County residents of the adverse effects of Muguka, alcohol, and Bhang.
The campaign was officially launched by NACADA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Anthony Omerikwa in Wote town on Friday, where he said there was need to fight the vice that was negatively impacting the lives of many youths.
Consequently, Omerikwa called for a multi-agency approach where key stakeholders will be engaged to combat the vice and ensure it is eradicated in the county, especially along the 237 kilometres along the busy Mombasa-Nairobi highway.
“The campaign is targeting all major towns in the county, especially those along the busy Mombasa-Nairobi highway where abuse of drugs and substances is rampant,” Omerikwa said while launching the sensitisation exercise officially.
He further pointed out that Makueni County plays a significant role in combating the vice along the 237-kilometre stretch of the Mombasa-Nairobi highway, where most of the illegal drugs are transported, especially to the Kenyan Coast.
“The use of muguka and cannabis sativa requires serious concerted efforts by wananchi, the government, and other stakeholders,” added the CEO.
During the launch, he opened a satellite office at the Makueni County Commissioner’s office.
Present at the function included Makueni County Commissioner (CC) Henry Wafula and NACADA Directors, among other officials.
By Patrick Nyakundi