‘Drug abuse among top 5 national security threats’ – Kindiki
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has classified trade, consumption and abuse of illicit alcohol, narcotics drugs and psychotropic substances as one of the top five national security threats.
In a statement on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, Kindiki stated that drug and substance abuse ranked alongside terrorism, banditry and livestock rustling, cultural, religious and political extremism, and climate change.
"The trade, consumption and abuse of illicit alcohol, narcotics drugs and psychotropic substances rank as one of the five key national security threats, that include terrorism, banditry and livestock rustling, cultural, religious and political extremism, and climate change," Kindiki stated.
As a result, Kindiki revealed that the government is strengthening the capacity of the National Agency for the Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NACADA) to suppress the supply of illicit alcohol, narcotic drugs and other psychotropic substances, to complement the ongoing national operation to tame drugs and alcohol abuse.
"We commend the partnership between the National Government and County Governments in combating the menace of drugs and alcohol abuse, and rehabilitation of persons affected by substance abuse. This partnership includes the establishment of facilities and institutions for rehabilitation of persons affected by substance addiction," he added.
Kindiki launches rehabilitation centre
Kindiki spoke after inspecting and accrediting the Ihururu Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre, Tetu Constituency, Nyeri County.
"To liberate thousands of young people misled by unscrupulous traders and hooked in the consumption of illicit alcohol and narcotic drugs, NACADA has designed a program for following up on persons who have been rehabilitated, assist them to acquire skills and establish income generating activities, that will help them participate in the growth of our economy," he added.
Among those present during the event include Nyeri County Deputy Governor David Kinaniri, Secretary-National Administration Beverly Opwora, NACADA Director and CEO Anthony Omerikwa, and residents of Dedan Kimathi Ward.
