The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) in Kenya has issued a warning about the growing use of synthetic drugs among youth. A report unveiled by CEO Anthony Omerikwa links rising drug use to last year’s demonstrations, where misinformation misled many young people into trying drugs. The agency indicates that university students are disproportionately affected and emphasizes the need for targeted interventions and awareness campaigns to combat this serious issue.
NACADA has raised concerns regarding the increasing prevalence of synthetic drug use among Kenyan youth. During the launch of a report on drug use among university students, NACADA CEO Anthony Omerikwa emphasized the challenge of detecting these substances due to their legal and accessible chemical precursors, likening it to combating an invisible enemy.
Omerikwa highlighted troubling findings connecting drug use to last year’s youth-led protests, where misinformation led young demonstrators to believe that cannabis would mitigate tear gas effects. He reported that several individuals arrested during these protests confessed to their first encounter with drugs amid the protests.
He cautioned that drug dealers exploit such events to introduce youth to addiction, thus fostering a long-term market for their illegal activities. Omerikwa noted that around 70% of those apprehended for drug possession or use are university students, underscoring the severity of the issue.
The survey, involving over 15,000 students across 17 universities, will serve as a foundation for monitoring drug use trends and assessing the efficacy of governmental measures. Omerikwa stated that these findings are critical for enhancing strategies to combat drug abuse and not merely a campus-related issue but a nationwide crisis.
NACADA plans to utilize the report to develop targeted prevention strategies, increase awareness, and promote effective parenting. Furthermore, they aim to strengthen collaborations across sectors to control the supply and demand of illicit substances effectively.
In conclusion, NACADA has reported a significant rise in synthetic drug use among youth in Kenya, linking it to events such as protests. The findings from the recent survey offer a baseline to address this growing crisis and instigate effective prevention strategies. The agency’s commitment to combat drug abuse highlights the need for urgent collective action and multi-sector collaboration to tackle this national health issue effectively.
Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke
