NACADA Asks Churches, Mosques To Expose Those Selling Alcohol Illegally

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has called upon religious institutions to share with them information on those masterminding the illicit manufacture, sale and consumption of alcohol and drugs in the country.

NACADA on Wednesday, November 29 met religious leaders from different faiths in Kenya to review the status of alcohol and drug abuse in the country.

During the meeting, the leaders acknowledged that the country is confronted with a serious and growing problem of alcohol and drug abuse with overwhelming effects on the socio-economic development of the people.

NACADA CEO, Anthony Omerikwa speaking on November 29, 2023. /NACADA KENYA

The authority also noted that the havoc caused by drug abuse is borne by families who have witnessed the deterioration of their loved ones into addiction and consequently suffered unemployment, drug-related illnesses, family breakages and reduced income.

NACADA however noted that many Kenyans are religious hence their behaviour is controlled by religion, a matter which prevents them from experimenting with more potent drugs.

"There are reports of emerging drugs that are highly potent and easily available to both the young and the old; and the majority of Kenyans are religious hence, their behaviour and attitudes are largely regulated by religion," NACADA said in a statement.

Following the meeting, it was recommended that the religious institutions strengthen public sensitization and Advocacy in a bid to educate the people on the facts and dangers of alcohol and drug abuse. This can be done through forums and various engagements with the children, youth and families

They were also encouraged to invest and be engaged in mass media campaigns towards the dissemination of drug abuse messages through various channels;

"Take part in the design and running of Treatment and Rehabilitation facilities in order to provide the much-needed support to persons challenged by drug addiction. In doing so, religious institutions will be instrumental in the transformation of lives as per their religious creeds;

"Share information on perpetrators of illicit manufacture, sale and consumption of alcohol and drugs as well as report on emerging trends in the community. This will work towards enhancing Compliance and Enforcement of laws related to alcohol and drug abuse," added the authority.

NACADA also asked the institutions to actively take part in Research and Surveys, in particular, those touching on drug abuse and religion. This will enhance the country's knowledge of alcohol and drug abuse alongside facilitating programming.

The Authority's survey released in September this year classified alcohol as the most abused drug in Kenya, with one in every 8 Kenyans aged between 15 and 65 years currently consuming alcohol.

The national survey on the “Status of Drugs and Substance Use (DSU) in Kenya, 2022” took into consideration about 3,199,119 people who are currently using alcohol.

In terms of drugs such as bhang, Nairobi recorded the highest consumption of the drug with a percentage of 6.3 per cent followed by Nyanza (2.4%) and Coast (1.9%).