The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) Nyanza Regional Manager Esther Okenye has commended the National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) for spearheading the fight against drug abuse and illicit alcohol in the region.
Speaking during the commemoration of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Kisii, Ms. Okenye said the region currently ranks 5th nationally in the use of alcohol and drugs, a significant improvement from the 3rd position, according to statistics from NACADA.
She noted that despite an increase in population over the recent years, the consumption of alcohol and abuse of drugs had declined.
“If all of us come together to kick out the brewing in our homes and let it be a regulated trade, we will go a long way in fighting illicit alcohol,” the Regional Manager said.
Okenye noted that Kisii County had established a Technical Working Group (TWG) composed of different organizations to support the prevention of alcohol and drug abuse within the county.
She said that in line with this year’s theme of “The Evidence is clear, invest in prevention,” the partners were investing in prevention to curb the danger of wiping out members of the society.
The Regional Manager decried the increasing use of bhang among the student population saying that while the national average stands at 1.9 percent, the number of students using the substance stood at 3 percent.
As such, she pointed out that they were keen on working with the young people to share prevention messages with their counterparts so that they could join in the fight against illicit alcohol and drug abuse.
Violet Moke from the Kisii County Department of Social Services said they are committed and devoted to working with other stakeholders in the fight against alcohol and drug abuse in the county.
By Mercy Osongo
