Murkomen Sets Up Team Of 18 To Help NACADA In War On Drugs
On Friday, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen officially announced and gazetted the appointment of 18 highly skilled professionals
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
In a decisive effort to tackle the growing issue of narcotic drug abuse, the government has assembled a team of expert analysts to lead the fight against illegal substances.
On Friday, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen officially announced and gazetted the appointment of 18 highly skilled professionals who will be responsible for identifying, analyzing, and overseeing the safe disposal of hazardous drugs.
Those appointed include Jane Nafula Kisutia, Dorcus Nzilani Muthusi, Jackson Siele, Paul Bwora Wahoye, Jerusha Waithera Mugo, Salvine Cheruto Katukoi, Godwin Khamala Waliama, David Kiara Muthomi, Mercy Nkarye Runya, and Catherine Mbete Nzuve.
Others are Hemed Abeid Munis, Khadija Abdullahi Boya, Alexander Mbae Mburia, Luge Victoria Kiugha, Beth Purity Makena Gitonga, Christine Naserian Kudate, Felista Kairithi Henry, and Crispin Njeru Nguru.
A photo of drugs and a glass containing alcohol. /BUSINESS DAILY
"In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 67(1) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration designates the following persons to be analysts for purposes of the Act," the gazette notice read in part.
This represents a major advancement in the continuous efforts of the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) to safeguard public health and safety in the fight against alcohol and drug abuse.
Under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act, the appointed analysts have key responsibilities that will aid the country’s fight against drug abuse.
Their duties include analyzing all confiscated substances, identifying and examining suspected narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances, and conducting chemical tests to verify their composition.
They will also provide expert testimony in court cases related to drug offenses, document their findings, and prepare detailed reports, which will serve as evidence in legal proceedings and for record-keeping.
Additionally, the analysts will ensure that the handling, storage, and disposal of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances comply with established regulations.
Working closely with NACADA, the interior ministry, and law enforcement agencies, they will offer technical support and expertise in drug-related cases.
The appointments come on the back of a recent report by NACADA on drug and substance abuse, showing the prevalence of alcohol among university students, with alcohol consumption reported by 87.3% of students, followed by cigarette use at 64.4% and shisha at 41.2%.
Besides alcohol, students also reported using other substances, including vaping (31%), nicotine pouches (30.7%), kuber (23%), and snuff or chewed tobacco (22.1%).
The survey, conducted in partnership with 17 universities, including private and public ones, involved over 15,000 students across Kenya’s eight administrative regions.
In NACADA's report, 66.4 percent of those surveyed indicated that their friends were the main sources of drugs. If not friends, students also get their drugs from canteen/bar/premises within the neighbourhood at 59.3 percent with fellow students within the institution following suit at 56 percent, findings that outline the influence of social circles in university settings in terms of drug and substance abuse in the country.
