Nacada ramps up crackdown to tame illicit brews and drug abuse

The National Campaign Against Drug Abuse (Nacada) has raised concern over increasing cases of alcohol and drug abuse in Uasin Gishu County.

Nacada’s head of enforcement Nicholas Kosgey said more than 30 per cent of young people in the region are affected by substance abuse.

He said the authority has partnered with the police, the county government, and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to curb the sale and consumption of illegal substances.

“Those engaging in this business are targeting the young people and we will not allow that to continue," Kosgey said.

Kosgey added that new measures had been put in place to strengthen the fight against illicit alcohol and drugs.

Authorities are also investigating reports of ethanol being diverted into the manufacture of illicit alcohol in Eldoret and other parts of the North Rift.

Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Eddisson Nyale said they are following leads suggesting possible political links to the trade.

“We will not spare anyone regardless of their political links. We will fight this illegal trade at all costs," Nyale said.

Nyale and county police commander Benjamin Mwanthi expressed concern that Eldoret was becoming a major centre for illicit ethanol distribution.

Ethanol is a controlled product that is only licensed for industrial use in alcohol production.

In a recent operation, police seized more than 300 litres of ethanol during a crackdown in the county. 

Governor Jonathan Bii said there would be no haven for those involved in the trade.

“We will not allow our county to be misused by people who aim to destroy the lives of our children and families," he said.

Mwanthi added that security teams in the region would intensify raids and roadblocks to dismantle illicit supply networks.

This comes days after President William Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet, expressed concern over the resurgence of alcoholism and drug abuse in the county, saying many families were being affected.

Farouk said the rise in illicit alcohol consumption was threatening young people’s education and well-being.

He also urged police and security agencies to step up enforcement and close down supply routes.