Drugs pose threat to achieving Vision 2030

Special Programmes Minister Naomi Shaban is right in raising the red flag on drug abuse and what it portends for Vision 2030.

The youth are the most vulnerable segment of our society targeted by the drug trade and yet they embody the future of our country. It is needless to say that the attainment of Vision 2030 is pegged on the preparation of the youth for productive engagement.

Drugs fuel corruption and wipe out entire generations.

Only two months ago, a briefing of the United Nations Security Council was told 30-35 metric tonnes of Afghan heroin was being imported into East Africa every year. This influx has inevitably led to an increase in drug addicts at the Kenyan coast and Nairobi.

Unless decisive action plans are put in place to stem this tide, our ambition to become an industrialised nation will remain a pipe dream.

Security technocrats need to roll out a raft of measures to seal all the loopholes that the drug lords exploit to peddle their trade.

Awareness Campaigns

There is also need for stakeholders to conduct well-co-ordinated awareness campaigns on drugs and excessive alcohol consumption.

Finally, for the war to be won, the police need a special unit to track and fight this menace. The unit must be adequately funded, thoroughly equipped and well trained.

Only then will we work towards Vision 2030.