Kenya Takes Bold Stand Against Drug Menace as Leaders sound alarm on national crisis
Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling drug abuse and illicit trafficking, with senior government officials warning that the country is facing a growing national crisis that demands urgent and coordinated action from all sectors of society.
The call was made on Friday during the commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADA) at the Miritini Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre in Mombasa County. The event, held under the theme "World Drug Problem" where persisting Issues, new challenges and innovative Responses brought together government leaders, recovery advocates and community representatives to strengthen the country's response to drug and substance abuse.
The urgency of the crisis was reflected in the latest survey by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) shows that 4.7 million Kenyans aged between 15 and 65 years and at least one in every six people are currently using at least one drug or substance of abuse.
According to the survey, the Coast Region continues to record the highest prevalence of substance use with 29.3% of residents using at least one drug or substance. Mombasa County remains the hardest hit area recording a prevalence rate of 34.4 per cent.
