The Interior Ministry on Wednesday, June 19, listed Nairobi County among regions in Kenya where the sale and use of drugs such as bhang and alcohol are prevalent.
Secretary of National Administration Beverly Opwora while speaking during the launch of the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) 2023–2027 Strategic Plan, listed Nairobi, Central, Rift Valley, Nyanza, and Western as regions that lead in drug abuse.
Opwora noted that alcohol and bhang were the most abused drugs in the country, predominantly among the youth and learners.
“With over half of these young users addicted, the risk of depressive disorders is 2.3 times higher. Nearly 4 million Kenyans need rehabilitation support,” PS Opwora reiterated.
She disclosed that since the start of the year, the ministry had arrested over 30,000 people and recovered over 2.8 million litres of counterfeit alcohol alongside 6,000 kilograms of bhang.
According to Baverly, alcohol, in particular, had led to a surge in drunk driving which subsequently led to major fatalities and serious injuries.
While lauding NACADA for its efforts in fighting drug abuse, Opwora revealed that the ministry had put in place stringent measures to fight the smuggling and selling of counterfeit products.
Opwora also noted that the Interior Ministry had renewed its efforts to address other pressing challenges such as distribution of unregistered brands, tax leakage, and illicit artisanal alcohol.
"Alcohol and drug abuse pose a national threat to the safety of people and security of Kenya leading to deaths from adulterated alcohol," the Interior Secretary stated.
"Drug abuse also leads to reduced productivity, health issues and fueling organized crime and violence within our communities," she added.
The Interior officer also lauded NACADA for unveiling its 5-year plan to strengthen the ongoing efforts to tackle drug abuse in Kenya.
Beverly Opwora stated that the strategic plan was the only surest way that the anti-drug agency could fight against drug abuse in the country.
Meanwhile, the strategic plan aims to solidify the unity between NACADA, the National Police Service, National Government Administrative Officers and other entities that seek to curb the drug menace.
The plan also highlights areas of challenge faced by the agency in its efforts to fight drug abuse, with Opwora citing the Ministry would help NACADA in making the necessary reinforcement.
