Government steps up measures to curb illicit alcohol and drugs in Nyanza region

KISUMU Monday June 26, 2023

KNA By Chris Mahandara

The government has stepped up measures to curb illicit trade of alcohol and drugs in Nyanza region.

This follows a resurgence of alcohol in sachets and illegal trade of bhang and other substances in the area.

Nyanza Regional Commissioner (RC) Flora Mworoa said a multi-agency team has been established to crack down on individuals and unscrupulous businessmen engaged in the trade.

Mworoa said the drugs get to the region through the porous borders and Lake Victoria adding that officials from the two countries have been incorporated in the team to curb the menace. 

The Ministry of Interior which is spearheading the exercise, she said has roped in the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to monitor the movement of people and goods through the lake.

"IOM is doing a good job. Last month they did a study on this issue and we expect to meet in August to discuss the findings of their report," she said.

Security agencies, she added have been put on high alert to ensure that those involved in the illicit trade are brought to book.

"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 said.

The RC said drug abuse continues to affect families in the area due to the illicit trade adding that majority of those addicted were youths.

Speaking during the International Day Against Drug Abuse (IDADA) celebrations at Karanda Primary School in Nyando Sub-County, Mworoa said stigma for drug addicts was the biggest challenge in rescuing those affected.

She urged families to embrace them and take them for treatment and rehabilitation to help win the war against drugs. 

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

According to a survey carried out last year by NACADA in collaboration Kenya National Bureau of Statistics and Tobacco Control Board, Nyanza region was ranked 4th in terms of alcohol and tobacco abuse.

NACADA representative Samson Onyango said the report also revealed that cases of illicit brews were high in the area with children below six years exposed to alcohol.

The agency, he said was reaching out to parents and school going children to reverse the tide.

Through partnership with the County Government of Kisumu, a rehabilitation centre has been established in the area and will soon open doors to assist drug addicts.

Courtesy ; K. N. A