Watchmen, teachers to blame for drug menace in schools

Nacada CEO Victor Okiama

The National Campaign Against Drug Abuse (Nacada) has revealed that at least 40 per cent of learners in secondary schools have friends and schoolmates who abuse drugs.

Speaking in Iten during a ceremony to honour more than 1,200 reformed brewers from Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet counties, Nacada CEO Victor Okioma said a preliminary survey by the agency had also shown that primary school children were affected.

“Almost 40 per cent of students in secondary school have friends who engage in alcohol and drug abuse. Focus was laid on secondary school students, leaving the primary school pupils vulnerable,” he said.

The survey, which is yet to be officially released, says the menace affects both boys and girls, with major suppliers being watchmen, cooks and even teachers.

“These groups of people have been marked as major suppliers of drugs to students and drastic action needs to be taken against the peddlers,” Mr Okioma said.

School children, the survey warned, have access to miraa, cigarettes and bhang.

“This happens without the knowledge of the school administration, leading to a high number of dropouts. Who will care of their future when they drop out of school?” he asked.

Nacada will partner with county governments to rehabilitate drug addicts. Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos said poor parenting was responsible for the rise in drug abuse.