The National Authority for the Campaign Against alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has expressed concern over the growing misuse of drugs among students across the country.
South Rift Nacada coordinator Mary Waithaka described the trend as alarming, lamenting the ease with which students are accessing harmful substances.
Speaking in Kericho, Waithaka emphasised that drug addiction should be treated as a disease requiring joint efforts from all sectors of society to combat and support those affected.
“Drug addiction is a serious issue. This condition should be treated as a disease requiring joint efforts from all sectors of society to combat and support those affected,” she said.
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Waithaka further noted that the fight against drug abuse must involve enforcement, alcohol regulation, compliance monitoring, and community training. She stressed that everyone—leaders, parents, institutions, and communities—has a role to play.
“It’s disheartening that many young people, including students, are falling into addiction due to the availability of drugs. Rehabilitation is key, and we appeal for the establishment of a facility to help those struggling, most of whom have dropped out of school,” Waithaka said.
A recent survey revealed that at least 50 per cent of university students in Kenya have experimented with drugs, prompting Nacada to call for more stringent measures to address the crisis.
Kericho Technical Training Institute Principal Shaddrack Tonui also weighed in, outlining steps taken by the institution to combat drug and alcohol abuse among learners.
By Kimutai Langat
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