MOMBASA, Kenya—The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, warning that the country’s growing substance abuse crisis threatens public health, security and economic development.
Speaking during the commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADA) at the Miritini Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre in Mombasa on Friday, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr. Raymond Omollo said Kenya would continue pursuing a comprehensive strategy that combines law enforcement, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and community involvement.
The event, held under the global theme “World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” brought together government officials, anti-drug agencies, rehabilitation experts, religious leaders and community representatives.
Dr. Omollo said the latest National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) survey estimates that 4.7 million Kenyans aged between 15 and 65 years are using at least one drug or substance of abuse, translating to about one in every six people.
He noted that the Coast region continues to record the highest prevalence of substance abuse at 29.3 per cent, with Mombasa County leading nationally at 34.4 per cent.
“These are not just statistics. They represent our children, our brothers and sisters, our colleagues and our future workforce. Behind every number is a life that can either be lost to addiction or restored through timely intervention and support,” said Dr. Omollo.
He emphasized that while law enforcement remains an important pillar in combating drug trafficking, sustainable success requires greater investment in prevention, early intervention, treatment, rehabilitation and the successful reintegration of recovering persons into society.
The government also highlighted recent gains in the fight against international drug trafficking, including the interception of 1,024 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine with an estimated street value of KSh8.2 billion in the Indian Ocean.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said security agencies would continue strengthening intelligence-led operations and collaboration among law enforcement institutions to dismantle drug trafficking networks.
“Our message is clear. We will continue to strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance inter-agency cooperation and pursue traffickers relentlessly wherever they operate,” Murkomen said.
NACADA Board Chairperson Bishop Dr. Stephen Mairori said the Authority is increasingly relying on scientific methods, including wastewater analysis, to monitor drug consumption trends and guide evidence-based interventions.
“If the drug problem is changing, our responses must change with it,” he said.
The Authority also recognised outstanding participants in a national essay writing competition aimed at promoting drug prevention awareness among secondary school students. Omar Mohamed of Kongowea Secondary School emerged as the Mombasa County winner for his essay on the role of parents and communities in protecting learners from substance abuse.
Speakers at the event called for a whole-of-society approach to address the growing challenge, urging parents, teachers, religious institutions, civil society and the private sector to work alongside government in protecting young people from drug and substance abuse.
The annual observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is intended to raise awareness on the dangers of drug abuse while encouraging countries to strengthen prevention, treatment and enforcement measures against illicit drug trafficking.
