In a bold move to combat the rising tide of narcotic drug abuse, the government has appointed a team of expert analysts to spearhead the fight against illicit substances.
Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen on Friday gazetted the names of 18 highly skilled professionals who will play a crucial role in identifying, analyzing, and ensuring the safe disposal of dangerous drugs.
Among those who were appointed are Jane Nafula Kisutia, Dorcus Nzilani Muthusi, Jackson Siele, Paul Bwora Wahoye, Jerusha Waithera Mugo, Salvine Cheruto Katukoi, Godwin Khamala Waliama, David Kiara Muthomi, Mercy Nkarye Runya, and Catherine Mbete Nzuve.
Others are Hemed Abeid Munis, Khadija Abdullahi Boya, Alexander Mbae Mburia, Luge Victoria Kiugha, Beth Purity Makena Gitonga, Christine Naserian Kudate, Felista Kairithi Henry, and Crispin Njeru Nguru.
This marks a significant step forward in the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse's (NACADA's) ongoing battle to protect public health and safety.
"In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 67(1) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration designates the following persons to be analysts for purposes of the Act.
According to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act, the analysts have specific roles that would help the country in the fight against drugs.
Some of the roles include the analysis of all seized substances and examining and identifying substances that are suspected to be narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances. This involves conducting chemical tests and analyses to confirm the nature of the substances.
Providing expert testimony in court cases involving narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, documenting their findings, and preparing detailed reports on the substances they analyze.
These reports are used as evidence in legal cases and for record-keeping purposes.
The analysts also ensure that the handling, storage, and disposal of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances comply with the regulations.
They will be working closely with NACADA, the interior ministry, and law enforcement agencies to provide technical support and expertise in cases involving narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
The move by the CS comes at a time when a recent report by the NACADA revealed that cases of drug and substance abuse have been on the rise among Kenyan youths, especially in the universities.
Murkomen had promised to boost the fight against drug and substance abuse in the country.
“Alcohol and drug abuse among our youth ruin their health, hurt their potential, threaten our national security, and undermine our development. This crisis needs an urgent national conversation about finding an all-of-society approach to combat it," stated CS Murkomen during the launch of the report by NACADA.
