Government steps up measures against drugs, alcohol

By Peter Ochieng

President William Ruto's administration has stepped up measures against drugs and illicit alcohol in Nyanza region.

Flora Mworoa, Nyanza Regional Commissioner (RC) says a multi agency team has been established to tackle individuals and business people engaged in the illegal trade.

She said drugs get to the region through the porous borders of Busia and Migori, and Lake Victoria.

Addressing Kisumu residents during the International Day Against Drug Abuse (IDADA) celebrations at Karanda Primary School in Nyando, the RC said they are doing everything, which is humanly possible to control the menace.

"The Ministry of Interior is working very closely with the Kenya Coast Guard, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Immigration Department to deal with this menace."

She urged family members of drug addicts to embrace them, besides taking them for treatment and rehabilitation.

"So many people out here are addicted to drugs but due to stigma most families are unable to bring them out," she added.

Nyanza region was ranked 4th in alcohol and tobacco abuse, according to a survey conducted last year.

The survey was carried out by the National Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NACADA), in collaboration Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and the Tobacco Control Board.