Arise Media 
BY RITA MUTHONI
The National Authority for Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has urged seven counties in the Eastern region to remain cautious in the face of rising cases of cocaine and other illegal drug use.
The seven counties are Marsabit, Isiolo, Meru, Embu, Kitui, Machakos, and Tharaka-Nithi.
NACADA Regional Officer Alex Njeru said they had already arrested some perpetrators distributing cocaine and heroin in Marsabit and Isiolo Counties.
“About 500 people have been reported in connection to heroin abuse in the Eastern region since 2019,” Njeru noted.
He pointed out that the Eastern region, with its large population, has become a target area for drug traffickers, urging the region to step up efforts to prevent the spread of these illegal substances.
Njeru said the Mount Kenya region has become a hotspot for counterfeit alcohol, resulting in the deaths of many.
“It is clear that Embu, Machakos, Meru, and Tharaka-Nithi counties are facing a major challenge regarding illicit alcohol. Last year alone, we lost more than 15 people in Isiolo and Embu to illicit alcohol,” he added.
He highlighted poor inspection by county governments before issuing licenses as a major challenge in ensuring the safety of alcoholic beverages sold to consumers.
“Let’s join hands for the sake of our beloved Kenya so that we can address this crisis,” Njeru noted.
He spoke at a hotel in Embu during a stakeholder’s meeting to review a draft policy meant to prevent and manage alcohol and drug abuse.
According to NACADA principal research officer Morris Kamenderi, the policy they are championing would address issues on the access to drugs and substances by youths, supply suppression, and expansion of treatment and rehabilitation.
The policy will also seek to support and empower counties when dealing with emerging challenges of alcohol and substance abuse.
“Alcohol is the most abused drug, with almost 3.1 million Kenyans using it according to the national statistics, while its addiction is affecting around 1.3 million, ” said Kamenderi.
The sentiments come days after Kirimari Ward MCA Ibrahim Swaleh warned residents against engaging in cocaine use, alerting them that the drug had found its way into the town.
County Executive Committee Member for Trade Francis Ndwiga cautioned individuals engaging in the illicit mobile sale of drugs in the county, advising them to stop such activities or else they face the law.
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