Lodwar: The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has launched a series of roadshows aimed at sensitizing the public to the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse. The awareness campaign was officially flagged off on Tuesday by Turkana Central Deputy County Commissioner Thomas Siele, outside the County Commissioner’s office in Lodwar.
According to Kenya News Agency, Scola Komen, the NACADA Coordinator for Turkana and West Pokot counties, stated that the roadshows are part of ongoing efforts to engage the public and raise awareness about the harmful effects of drug and substance abuse. “These public engagement activities will run from June 3rd to Saturday, June 7th,” said Komen. She added, “Through this campaign, we hope to educate the public and foster a sober and healthier nation.”
A 2022 NACADA survey highlighted that alcohol remains the most abused substance in Turkana County. Nationally, the western region recorded the highest prevalence of current drug use, followed by the Eastern region and Nairobi. The survey also revealed a high awareness of substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and khat, at 97%, 95%, and 88%, respectively. Alarmingly, children as young as six years old are suspected of initiating substance use, with the average age of first use ranging between 16 and 20 years for substances like tobacco, alcohol, khat, and cannabis.
The report further indicated that one in every six Kenyans aged 15 to 65 is currently using at least one drug. Among them, one in every three males and one in every sixteen females are actively using drugs. “Young adults aged 25 to 35 years, especially those out of school, have been identified as the most vulnerable group to substance use and dependency,” the report stated.
It also brought attention to the growing concern of online drug sales, presenting significant public health and regulatory challenges, including easier access by minors. Komen noted that individuals affected by substance abuse can seek treatment at Lodwar County Referral Hospital, with referrals to rehabilitation centers in other parts of the country if necessary. She added that Turkana currently lacks a NACADA-accredited rehabilitation facility.
Komen emphasized NACADA’s collaboration with the county government to enforce licensing regulations, including the requirement that alcohol outlets be located at least 300 meters from schools. Siele mentioned that the roadshows will cover Lodwar, Lorugum, Kalokol, and Kakuma, pointing out that the most commonly abused substances in the county include illicit brews such as Kaada, bhang, Kuber, and khat. Siele reaffirmed that both the national and county governments are working closely to address and curb the drug menace in the region.