By S, KNA
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NACADA) has cited kiosks and shops near learning institutions as major sources of drug and substance abuse.
NACADA Western regional manager, Eunice Arubia, has however said that the government has established a multi-agency team comprising of officers from the National Government Administration Officer (NGAO), National Police Service (NPS), Kenya Bureau of Standards, and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to crackdown on perpetrators.
Speaking during jukwa la masomo attended by students from institutions of higher learning held in Kakamega County, Mrs. Arubia added that her organisation is also undertaking public education and awareness campaigns against the vice in western region and across the country.
She noted that western region leads in production and consumption of illicit brews as well as abuse of bhang, according to a national survey conducted by NACADA in 2022.
The report indicated that 26.6 percent of students use substances such as alcohol, cannabis as well as other emerging drugs.
“NACADA has joined hands with institutions of learning to put in place policies and regulations in an attempt to reduce drug abuse among students where most students miss classes and use HELB money meant for upkeep to buy drugs,” she added.
‘‘I believe we can still work together to correct this come the next national survey. There is quite a lot to be done especially in our institutions,” she added.
Regional coordinator of the Kenya Veterinary Board, Benson Kibore, raised an alarm over increasing cases of improper and drug misuse.
“We have cases where some individuals are now using certain veterinary medicine as drug for intoxication, which poses a serious health risk,” he warned.
Wilberforce Mbaki a student leader at Sigalagala National Polytechnic stated that the production of illicit brews in the areas surrounding the institution is a major challenge that affects the students.
The County Commissioner, Meru Mwangi, who chaired the meeting, said the Jukwaa la Wasomi forum is designed to strengthen security in educational institutions of higher learning and create a conducive environment for learning.
“We are seeking your views so that we can strengthen safety systems in and around learning institutions”, he said.