By KIPCHUMBA SOME

Kenya runs the risk of turning into a narco-state, a former director of National Authority for Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse, (Nacada), Jeniffer Kimani, has warned.

“Drug consumption in this country is so pervasive. It might sound alarmist to some, but we could turn into another Mexico,” she says.

Ms Kimani refers to the networks of drug cartels, which some security officers reckon have grown so powerful that moving against them could unleash violence.

They compare it to what has happened in Mexico between the drug dealers and security forces.

 “The drug dealers in this country are well known,” says a senior officer at the anti-narcotics unit. The officer adds, “Most of the drug dealers operate freely and with confidence because they are protected by powerful individuals in government.”

President Uhuru Kenyatta seems to have fired the first salvo in the fight against the cartels when, two weeks ago, he ordered the deportation of a dozen foreigners, mostly Nigerians, who are accused of drug trafficking.

While opening the second national conference on alcohol and drug abuse last week, a visibly angry Kenyatta called for more action to curb the substance abuse beyond the seminars.

The President’s was seen by some as being directed at Nacada, which has been accused in some quartres of not doing enough to curb and manage the substance abuse.

Nacada’s budget has grown over the years and now stands at Sh1 billion. However, the agency is yet to start rehabilitation centres across the country.

There are only three public rehabilitation centres against 60 privately owned ones. These private clinics charge high fees for treatment and majority of drug addicts cannot afford.

“Rehabilitation has become a cash cow for a few connected doctors and psychiatrist in Kenya,” says David Ogot, a former alcohol addict. “They cater for children from rich families who can afford the high fees.”

The Nacada CEO William Okedi has defended the agency, saying it does not have enough resources, both financial and manpower, to start rehabilitation clinics around the country.

“Our work is advocacy and as such we do not have the resources for such massive and costly undertakings. However, I hope the county governments will start their own clinics and we are ready to advise them if called upon,” he says.

People have also questioned the wisdom of some of the choices the organisation has made in curbing substance abuse, for example the needle exchange programme for intravenous drug users.

Since 2005 the agency has been giving out syringes to drug users ostensibly to prevent needle sharing, which could lead to the spread of infectious diseases such as HIV/Aids and Hepatitis B.

But the move has been questioned, with many suspecting the agency could be inadvertently encouraging youth to use drugs.

But, Frank Njenga, Nacada Chairman, says the agency is advocating for a position taken by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on drug prevention.

“In a democratic society, people are free to try different approaches to solve the problem,” he remarks. “If it is not working, we are open to other suggestions, but we should not be slaves to a single solution.”

Nacada has also been criticised for advocating the introduction of methadone, a less addictive drug that is meant to be used as a substitute for heroin and cocaine.

Again the move has been questioned by those who see it as a deviation by the agency from its role, which should oppose the use of drugs in whatever form or potency.

Both Dr Njenga and Dr Okedi agreed that the responsibilities of needle exchange and administration of methadone should be undertaken by the Ministry of Health.  

Some of the causes of drug abuse among the youth include: unemployment, low education, peer pressure and superstition, among others.

Drug addiction has led to crime, disease and slow economic development. Drugs also reduce life expectancy for young people.