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Kwale governor steps up fight against illicit drugs

Kwale county governor Fatuma Achani during the sensitisation event against drug abuse at Kwale Baraza Park on January 18, 2024. (Photo: Kwale County Press)

By Farhiya Hussein | 19 Jan 2024

Kwale county boss urged the local security chiefs to redouble efforts against drug kingpins in the region

Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has asked security agencies to do more to address drug and substance abuse in the region.

She urged the police to launch sting operations against drug peddlers, suppliers, and drug dealers.

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Governor Achani’s administration is intensifying public campaigns aimed at tackling drug and substance abuse.

The local county leadership urged the local security chiefs to redouble efforts against drug kingpins supplying banned substances to the youth. Speaking at Kwale Baraza Park on Thursday, Ms

Achani said the rounding up of drug traffickers would help save the youth, many of whom were struggling with drug addiction.

“I urge the public to report to the relevant authorities anyone dealing in illicit drugs for action,” she said.

Mental health issues

Ms Achani said it is crucial to make the local youths understand the mental health implications of using illicit drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, or amphetamines.

“My administration will step up the campaign against illicit drugs and other banned substances. We are calling for the active participation of all stakeholders to realise a ‘drug-free Kwale’,” she said.

Kwale County Governor Fatuma Achani during the sensitisation event against drug abuse at Kwale Baraza Park on January 18, 2024. (Photo: Kwale County Press)

The governor said the county has established the Eden House Rehabilitation and Rescue Centre in Diani and the Kombani Methadone Centre, which are now changing lives.

Ms Achani cited the many health challenges drug addicts face like withdrawal symptoms and mental disorders which affect one's well-being.

She revealed that through the two rehab centres, the county has successfully rehabilitated more than 700 individuals struggling with drug addiction.

The county security and intelligence committee chairman, Meru Mwangi, emphasised that the local security apparatus remains committed to intensifying its efforts against narcotics.

“There is the need for a robust strategy in the battle against drug abuse,” he said.

He affirmed the ongoing comprehensive campaign against the drug trade, vowing to apprehend traffickers and users.

According to the National Campaign against Drugs Agency (Nacada) one in six Kenyans aged between 15 and 65, or 4.73 million people, are using at least one drug or substance of abuse.

Of this number, males in the same age group accounted for 3.78 million compared to their female counterparts at 949,298.

The survey involved 3,314 respondents from 47 counties, with an individual response rate of 87 per cent.

The survey found that the use of cannabis (bhang) has increased significantly, with the number of people using the drug increasing by 90 per cent in the last five years.

Currently, one in 53 Kenyans aged 15-65 use cannabis.

Nairobi leads the regions in bhang use with a prevalence rate of 6.3 per cent, followed by Nyanza with 2.4 per cent and Coast with 1.9 per cent.