Nairobi County steps up fight against drug abuse with new reforms
To address this crisis, the county is implementing robust interventions, including reviewing legal frameworks to ensure liquor outlets are restricted to commercial areas, keeping them away from residential neighbourhoods.
Nairobi County has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling drug and substance abuse, recognising it as a major societal threat linked to crime and broken families.
Speaking at the National Substance Use Prevention Week summit, Nairobi County Secretary Godfrey Atiel emphasised that drug abuse is a shared challenge that requires collective action.
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"Drug and substance abuse is not just an individual problem—it harms families and entire communities. It leads to crime, broken relationships, and lost opportunities. We must work together to fight this menace," Atiel stated.
To address this crisis, the county is implementing robust interventions, including reviewing legal frameworks to ensure liquor outlets are restricted to commercial areas, keeping them away from residential neighbourhoods. Recognising that easy access fuels substance abuse, authorities are focusing on disrupting the supply chain by targeting peddlers.
"One of the major contributors to drug abuse is accessibility. We must look at ways to disrupt the value chain so that we can effectively deal with peddlers. However, just like corruption, the fight against peddling is not easy—these networks fight back," Atiel noted.
As part of its rehabilitation efforts, Nairobi County has expanded access to treatment facilities. The Sinai Centre now provides rehabilitation services to over 1,000 individuals, and a new facility in Mtwini is set to open by June 1. Additionally, to ease access to recovery programmes, the county is working towards offering free rehabilitation services.
"Many affected individuals struggle to access rehabilitation due to financial constraints. We are committed to ensuring that rehab centres are free of charge so that those in need can get the help they deserve," Atiel affirmed.
Beyond enforcement and rehabilitation, the county is addressing the root causes of substance abuse, particularly urban poverty and unemployment. Initiatives such as constructing 20 new markets and launching the Biashara Fund aim to provide alternative economic opportunities for young people, reducing their vulnerability to drug abuse.
"Unemployment remains one of the biggest drivers of substance abuse in Nairobi. We are constructing 20 new markets to help create alternative income streams for our youth. Additionally, through the Biashara Fund, we are supporting start-ups to empower young people economically," Atiel said.
At the national level, NACADA Board Chair Stephen Mairori stressed the need for a united front in combating drug abuse.
"If we all come together, we will win this fight. We have gathered in various places to push for prevention and support recovery. We urge those affected to reach out—recovery is possible," he said.
Executive Director of Black Faces, Black Voices, Philip Rutherford, who has been in recovery from alcohol addiction since 2008, emphasised the importance of support systems.
"Alcoholism is a chronic disease, and if I had been abandoned, I wouldn't be here today. We should encourage people in their recovery journey instead of casting them aside," he said.
NACADA Chief Executive Cannon Omollo emphasised that prevention must go beyond awareness campaigns to include supply reduction.
"Every time we shut down an illegal brewery or strengthen regulations, we prevent another generation from falling into addiction. Prevention is not just about awareness—it must include action," he stated.
He also acknowledged and celebrated communities, students, and individuals resisting drug abuse. "We are here to honour those in recovery because their journey proves that prevention works. Recovery itself is prevention after the fact," he added.
As the summit concluded, leaders and stakeholders reiterated their commitment to a multi-faceted approach—policy reforms, enforcement, rehabilitation, economic empowerment, and community engagement—to combat the rising threat of drug abuse in Kenya.
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