Faith Leaders and NACADA Unite to Fight Drug Abuse in Kenya

A special forum between the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) and faith-based organizations (FBOs) was held at the West Social Hall, City Hall in Eldoret, aiming to strengthen the fight against drug abuse and trafficking in the country.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Jamal Diriwo Omari, North-Rift Muslim Leader, called on the government to ban the issuance of licenses to all drug-related businesses in Kenya. He emphasized that it is the government’s duty to protect citizens’ rights by ensuring their safety and health.

“The government should give NACADA full authority to enforce orders prohibiting drug use within our nation. Drugs deny our youth the opportunity to work, harm their mental health and understanding, and ultimately contribute to poverty in the country,” Omari stated.

He further urged mosques and churches to actively participate in campaigns educating congregants about the dangers and harmful effects of drugs. He added that all schools in Kenya should run awareness programs to educate students on the risks of drug use, safeguarding the current and future generations.

Regarding law enforcement, Omari proposed establishing a specialized NACADA police unit tasked with arresting drug sellers and manufacturers and taking them to court. He recommended that offenders serve at least six months in jail without bail as a deterrent to others.

Representatives from NACADA stressed the importance of collaboration between the government, religious institutions, and the wider community in combating the drug crisis, noting that the fight requires nationwide solidarity.

The forum comes at a time when efforts to curb drug abuse are being intensified across the country, with stakeholders calling for stricter measures to protect citizens’ health and the nation’s economy.