Kwale: Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani and County Commissioner Stephen Orinde have called on the youth in the region to steer clear of drug abuse and addiction for a brighter future. The leaders emphasized that drug and substance abuse adversely affects mental and emotional health, as well as individual productivity.
According to Kenya News Agency, the duo, accompanied by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) county coordinator Eunice Kiala, highlighted the growing menace of drug and substance abuse in the coastal county. Residents have attributed a rise in burglaries, muggings, purse snatchings, and mobile phone thefts to drug addicts seeking quick money to sustain their habits, primarily involving bhang and heroin.
The leaders addressed the press following their attendance at a local football tournament at Kombani Grounds in Waa/Ng'ombeni Ward, Matuga sub-county. Governor Achani stressed that drug and substance abuse can destroy dreams and destinies, rendering users unproductive if preventive measures are not taken. She urged stakeholders to address the root causes and focus on prevention, especially among young people.
Governor Achani also called for an end to the stigma surrounding drug addiction, advocating for love, care, and rehabilitation to reintegrate addicts into society. She highlighted the efforts of the county's Kombani drug rehabilitation centre, which is currently assisting about 900 youths in overcoming addiction. The centre provides free treatment and rehabilitation services, supporting both outpatient and inpatient programs.
She noted that the Kombani Rehab Centre operates under international standards and involves families in the recovery process to prevent relapse. Achani emphasized the importance of community support in helping recovering addicts maintain their path to sobriety.
County Commissioner Orinde urged religious leaders and community-based organizations to collaborate with government efforts to combat drug abuse. He underscored the role of good parenting in curbing drug abuse and encouraged parents to closely monitor their children for signs of drug use and maintain open communication.
NACADA's county coordinator, Eunice Kiala, reaffirmed the agency's commitment to building a sustainable ecosystem for recovery efforts in Kwale. She called for collective action from stakeholders to aggressively address drug and substance abuse among the youth.
According to NACADA, hundreds of youths are addicted to drugs in Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, and Lamu counties, posing a significant challenge for authorities. Despite ongoing anti-drug campaigns, the agency reports a troubling increase in hard drug use among the region's youth. NACADA's primary role is to campaign against drug abuse and raise awareness of its dangers while coordinating government efforts to suppress drug supply and demand.