The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) is on the spot for not pronouncing itself in the national conversation on whether to ban Muguka sale and consumption.
The call was made during a meeting chaired by Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo, where the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security wanted to know why the authority has not issued a statement regarding the ongoing national debate on sale and consumption of the presumed drug popularly referred to as Miraa and Muguka.
Chief Executive Officer of NACADA Dr Anthony Omerikwa explained that the authority is a regulatory body.
“NACADA is a regulator. Our mandate revolves around enhancing compliance. Adjustments to that law would help us expand our scope,” explained Dr Omerikwa.
The CEO said that according to the second schedule of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance (Control) Act No. 4 of 1994, Cathine and Cathinone, the chemicals contained in Muguka, are classified as psychotropic substances, explaining that the said Act criminalizes any trade in psychotropic substances.
According to the Act, any person who traffics a narcotic drug or psychotropic substance is guilty of an offence.
The committee, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the responses provided by the authority and directed that the management presents a well detailed report demonstrating the impact of alcohol and drug abuse in counties across the country.
According to NACADA in its 2023 quarterly report, persons between the ages of 25-35 are the biggest consumers of illicit drugs, followed closely by those between 15-24 years.
It also found that one in every six Kenyans aged between 15 and 65 (4.73 million people) is currently using at least one drug.
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By Obegi Malack
obegimalack@gmail.com
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