The Alcohol and National Authority for Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NACADA), Nyamira chapter is conducting an awareness and sensitisation campaign in various parts of the county to mark the country’s third National Substance Use Prevention Week.
Nyamira County NACADA coordinator George Kasera, while sensitising residents of Nyamaiya division at a public baraza at Nyansabakwa village, pointed out that the last research carried out in 2022 shows that the age of those who start using drugs and abusing substances has drastically reduced to children who are as young as 6 years.
“Effects of drugs and substance use and abuse are multifaceted both to the abuser and abstainers closely relating with the abuser. Its effects range from financial depletion and health complications to becoming a social misfit and leading to premature early death. It is against this backdrop that NACADA came up with a National Substance Use Prevention Week to raise awareness and support the fight against illegal trade of illicit brews in our county,” Mr Kasera explained.
The county coordinator confirmed that they have come up with early intervention strategies especially for your youths who mostly do it secretly and all those who are abusing drugs in public due to addiction noting that the national government administrators are doing their best to end illicit brew and they need the support of the entire community to end this life-threatening addiction and illegal business.
“We have trained special groups called Community work groups dubbed NACADA mashinani to continue sensitising residents and young people to be on alert for shifting strategies of trading these drugs without necessarily having to puff out smoke. These drugs are nowadays coated with or sandwiched in snacks like sweets, cookies, cakes and mandazi to sell to school-going children and recruit unsuspecting innocent youths into use of these illegal drugs.”
Nyamira South Sub-County Deputy County Commissioner Florence Obunga said they are acting on the president’s directive to fight illicit brews to the bitter end to ensure they are finished in order to have sober people, especially the youths who drive this country’s economy to greater heights. She promised to collaborate closely with NACADA and the sub-county liquor and licensing board to conduct impromptu crackdowns to ensure all liquor traders are duly licensed, sell legit liquor and operate their businesses within legally stipulated timelines.
Mr Kasera said this week from the 9th of February to the 13th of February 2016, the NACDA team in collaboration with other stakeholders who are state and non-state actors will raise awareness about the importance of prevention of alcohol and substance use and misuse of prescription medicines.
He said they will culminate the National Substance Use Prevention Week themed “Empowered communities, brighter futures” on Friday 13th February 2026 with a road show in Nyamira town to celebrate people and community stories of prevention.
By Deborah Bochere
