Drug Abuse A National Security Threat, CS Kindiki Tells The House
Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki
By PSCU
Drug and substance abuse is a major national security threat, the National Assembly has been told.
Administration and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithuke Kindiki told the House the uptake of illicit substances is among the top five national security threats.
“Apart from terrorism and bandtry, drug and substance abuse is among the top security threats the country is dealing with,” said the CS.
The Cabinet Secretary was addressing the House during the question time session.
He was responding to a question raised by Kitutu Chache South MP, Antony Kibagendi who wanted to know measures being put in place by the government to deal with the menace.
“Can the Cabinet Secretary State how many public rehabilitation centres are there to accommodate drug addicts who are seeking help,” Kibagendi asked.
Kindiki explained that the government has put adequate measures in place to confront the drug abuse menace in the country.
He added that they plan to strengthen NACADA by giving the authority more powers to stump it’s authority in the war against drug and substance abuse.
He noted that the ministry has focused on suppressing demand and supply for illicit drugs.
He told the House the Ministry has put in place stringent measures to be met by manufacturers of alcoholic drinks before they get licenced.
“I want to notify the House that the Ministry has declined applications for licences for 23 manufacturers who have not met the new rules,” he added.
On rehabilitation centres, Kindiki told the House that the country has sufficient centres and more would be established to provide rehabilitation services to addicts.
“Before coming to this House, I have just arrived from Nyeri where I commissioned a new NACADA rehabilitation centre,” he said.
Dagoreti North MP, Beatrice Elachi asked the CS to deploy security to deal with foreign drug dealers operating at Kilimani area in the Constituency.
“Foreigners dealing in drug trafficking are operating at Kilimani area destroying lives of our young people. I call for quick action from the CS to dismantle the racket and nab them,” said Elachi.
The CS pointed out that the Ministry plans to embark on school programmes targeting learners in anti drug abuse sensitisation exercise.
Her sentiments were supported by her neighbour John Kiarie who added that boda boda operators were notorious in drug peddling.
Ndhiwa MP, Martin Owino asked the CS to explain why the Ministry was taking too long to implement a proposal to divide the Sub County into three for effective service delivery.
In response Kindiki told the House that Ndhiwa merited a split into three sub counties as proposed by residents but noted that financial constraints have delayed implementation.
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