Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo
Kenya marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Friday with renewed calls for a coordinated response to substance abuse, as government officials warned that millions of people are affected by the problem.
The national commemoration was held at the Miritini Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre in Mombasa County under the theme, "World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses."
The event brought together senior government officials, recovery advocates and community leaders.
According to the latest National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) national survey, 4.7 million Kenyans aged between 15 and 65 years are using at least one drug or substance of abuse.
The survey indicates that the Coast Region has the highest prevalence at 29.3 per cent, with Mombasa County recording 34.4 per cent.
Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo said the government would continue pursuing a strategy that combines law enforcement with prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.
"While enforcement remains critical, it is only one part of the solution," he stated.
"Sustainable success can only be achieved through a balanced and comprehensive approach that prioritises prevention, early intervention, treatment, rehabilitation, and social reintegration".
Omollo said the figures represented people whose lives could be changed through timely support.
Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo
"These are not just statistics. They represent our children, our brothers and sisters, our colleagues, and our future workforce. Behind every number is a life that can either be lost to addiction or restored through timely intervention and support."
The government also cited the recent interception of 1,024 kilograms of 98 per cent pure crystal methamphetamine, valued at Sh8.2 billion, in the Indian Ocean as part of its efforts to tackle drug trafficking.
"Our message is clear," Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen declared.
"We will continue to strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance inter-agency cooperation, and pursue traffickers relentlessly wherever they operate."
NACADA Board Chairman Bishop Stephen Mairori said the authority was using wastewater analysis to monitor drug consumption patterns in near real-time as part of efforts to improve its response.
"If the drug problem is changing, our responses must change with it," he emphasised.
During the event, NACADA also recognised winners of a National Essay Writing Competition for secondary school learners aimed at promoting awareness of drug prevention. Mombasa County winner Omar Mohamed of Kongowea Secondary School was honoured for his essay titled, "Parental and Community Responsibility in Protecting Learners from Drugs."
Speakers at the event said addressing substance abuse would require the involvement of families, religious leaders, educators, the private sector and other stakeholders alongside government interventions.
"Success will require a whole-of-society approach," Omollo urged.
Murkomen said the country's efforts would continue to focus on protecting young people from drug abuse.
"Every life saved from addiction strengthens our nation," Murkomen concluded.
"Together, we can build a Kenya where our young people are healthy, productive, and empowered to contribute to national development."
