Kenya has sounded a strong warning at a major international
narcotics conference, highlighting the growing threat of illicit drugs and a
global shift towards powerful synthetic substances that are “causing havoc
among young people.”
The message was delivered by Dr. Anthony Omerikwa, Chief
Executive Officer of the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol
and Drug Abuse (NACADA), who is leading Kenya’s delegation at the 32nd Meeting
of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (HONLEA) in Vienna, Austria.
“Current trends indicate a global rise in the abuse of
illicit drugs,” Dr. Omerikwa said.
“There is a steady
shift from traditional substances to synthetic drugs, thereby increasing the
number of New Psychoactive Substances with their adverse social and health
consequences.”
He noted that while Kenya’s geographic position and global
connectivity make it an attractive transit route for traffickers, evidence now
shows a more troubling development, growing domestic consumption.
“Some African countries are no longer just transit routes,”
he stressed.
“There is increasing availability of drugs for local use, a
trend that poses an even greater danger to our communities.”
To tackle this evolving challenge, Dr. Omerikwa outlined Kenya’s multi-pronged strategy.
In addition to intelligence-led operations and
multi-agency raids that have netted significant seizures of heroin, cocaine,
and methamphetamine, Kenya is adopting a public health-centered approach.
“Kenya is addressing drug-related crime through alternatives
to incarceration,” he explained.
“Diversions are provided for persons using drugs,
encouraging rehabilitation and reintegration as opposed to imprisonment.”
This approach, he noted, aligns with Kenya’s commitment to
the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by ensuring that “no one is left
behind.”
Kenya is also strengthening data-driven responses through
its National Drug Observatory, which monitors emerging drug trends in real
time. Dr. Omerikwa further urged the global community to remain vigilant
against new trafficking methods, including the use of fast parcels, the
internet, and the commercialization of controlled substances such as cannabis
for non-medical purposes.
In closing, Dr. Omerikwa emphasized the need to shield young
people from highly potent synthetic drugs and to end the stigma against individuals
struggling with addiction.
“Drug users require treatment, not punishment,” he told
delegates, underscoring Kenya’s call for a compassionate, evidence-based
approach alongside strict enforcement.
The HONLEA meeting, convened annually by the United Nations
Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), brings together senior officials from across
the globe to coordinate strategies and share intelligence on the world drug
problem.
This year’s 32nd session in Vienna focused on pressing
regional challenges, including the rise of synthetic opioids and the rapidly
shifting tactics of transnational criminal networks.
