Nacada not doing much on drug abuse

Nacada not doing much on drug abuse

Drug abuse is a huge challenge. Several studies have shown that almost every youngster at one time or another experiments with drugs, especially beer and cigarettes.

The most worrying thing is that a significant proportion of young people eventually get addicted to the drugs, creating difficulties for their families.

Drug abuse problems mainly in Coast and Nairobi provinces and other parts of the country point to the fact that the vice has taken root. Sadly, our response to the disaster has been lackluster. Just as we dilly-dallied in the advent of HIV/Aids, we have not taken any decisive action on the problem of drug abuse, especially among students and the youth in residential areas.

The National Agency for the Campaign Against Drug Abuse (Nacada) was established in 2001. Its mandate was to campaign against drug abuse.

In 2007, it became an authority with an expanded mandate of co-ordinating multi-sectoral efforts aimed at preventing, controlling, and mitigating effects of alcohol and drug abuse. Despite its huge budget allocation, Nacada remains a bureaucratic Government agency, lacking transformative credentials in its leadership necessary to effectively tackle drug abuse.

In one of its rapid situation assessment of drug and substance abuse, Nacada made comprehensive recommendations.

Problem widespread

The organisation called for, “review of policies that address control of drug and substance abuse. Capacity development in relation to drugs and substance abuse, establishment and strengthening of promotive, preventive, treatment, and rehabilitation services and development of national information, education and communication strategy for drugs and substance abuse”.

Apart from attempting to execute Alcoholic Drinks Control Act (Mututho law), which in the first place Nacada was not adequately involved in its formulation, nothing much can be said to have happened out of the named far-reaching recommendations.

Going through Nacada’s website, there is little information one can gather from it. Most of it are policy briefs that give little important information to anyone who wants to research on drug abuse. There is also little on what Nacada does and impact of its work.

This is a clear indication that there is lack of commitment and passion to professionalise the authority. How does an organisation that receives 80 per cent more funding than the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) fail to make an impact yet the drug abuse problem is widespread?

Whether NCIC is making any impact and sense in the society, that is for Kenyans to judge, but at least we see their efforts and presence. We can thus put a face to NCIC. But who is behind Nacada?

Nacada needs flexible, proactive professionals, not archaic bureaucratic Government functionaries.

The authority should be depoliticised and let it subscribe to basic constitutional changes, especially in being the true representative of the  war on drugs drive. More important, measurable and realistic plans should form the basis of its strategic plan.

Nacada needs to know that as it ‘sleeps’ on the job, the drug abuse problem is getting out of hand. The situation is worrying. One only needs to interact with young people to get this fact. The institution needs to change its approach on how to fight drug abuse menace. The old and routine methods of dealing with problems will not work.

The organisation should also move beyond alcohol, cocaine and heroine. It should focus on other emerging drugs that young people are consuming in copious amounts.

Some of the young people abusing the new drugs are not even aware that they are doing it because the drugs are sold in the open. These drugs include muguuka, which is consumed by many young people in Nairobi, Central, and Easter provinces.

{Boniface Mouti,Arusha }

Planning will help curb rain-related tragedies

The ongoing rains have received little attention yet they are wreaking havoc. Many people are being rendered homeless as the rains increase in intensity. In Kisii, one of the areas that is receiving abnormal rainfall, they have become a menace.

Recently, storms led to falling of trees near Kisii University Town Campus. No much damage was done, but it was perhaps out of luck since the trees fell across the busy Kisii Highway missing a passenger vehicle by a whisker.

As the rains pound, residents and students are in dilemma since the rains are causing power blackouts that stay on for long. The worst affected are students sitting KCPE, KCSE and end of semester exams in various universities and colleges.

All this can be attributed to poor planning and negligence from the Government. This is because most roads and facilities were poorly constructed with majority lacking good drainage systems.

A case in point is the road leading to Kisii Police Station. Construction of the road was recently completed. However, the road lacks proper drainage infrastructure, which makes it flood when it rains. The Government can mitigate such adverse effects, which were foreseen, through appropriate planning. This may include installing lightning arresters, harvesting rainwater for irrigation and building better roads.

The meteorological department has warned that the rains will continue for long and most areas across the country will be affected. This is not time to sit and wait. The Government must act now before the worst happens. 

{Alex Obutu, Kisii University}

 

The Government must ensure that no lives are lost due to the ongoing rains. The Meteorological Department sounded alarm weeks ago, thus efforts must be done to sensitise people on the need to be cautious. Areas such as Kano plains, Budalangi, and even Nairobi must be on high alert for emergencies. 

And as several areas experience heavy rains, it is time the Government taps the water for use in arid areas, especially those in North Eastern Province.

It does not make sense that other parts of the country experience bumper harvest as a result of good rainfall yet residents in arid areas suffer.

Another thing the Government and public should watch out for are water-borne diseases.

{Viden Ochieng, Kisumu}

 

Peace efforts in Molo need boost

Molo constituency has over the years been known for sporadic ethnic conflicts and tensions, especially during elections.

There have been numerous NGOs and community-based organisations making attempts to restore harmonious co-existence among communities.

The Government, through Njoro District Peace Committee, has equally done a lot by spearheading peace-building initiatives. However, it is evident that peace and reconciliation in the region has largely remained elusive.  The differences among members of various ethnic communities are huge especially in learning institutions. Luckily, parents in this region seem to have realised that they hold the key to long-lasting peace and cohesion. They are, thus, trying to build peace by starting schools that accommodate students from various ethnic backgrounds. 

Their efforts need to be boosted especially now that the country is headed for elections.

{Kihiu Mugo, Njoro}

Turkana project should be salvaged

The announcement by Energy Permanent Secretary Patrick Nyoike that the proposed 300mw wind energy power plant was cancelled is a setback to Vision 2030.

The PS said the power plants, which would have cost Sh70 billion, will adversely affect Kenya Power’s external debts resulting into extremely high electricity charges. Incidentally, Kenya Power appears to be the only utility company, which keenly monitors foreign currency exchange rates particularly in those it secured loans in and in case the shilling depreciates, the company usually adjusts its tariffs accordingly. Treasury needs to intervene to salvage the  project.

Why students may not register as voters

About 1.5 million potential voters may be denied the opportunity to register as voters.

Students in upper and middle-level colleges are among those who may not register as voters. This is because they are in school and may not find time to travel to their homes or areas where they vote to register.

This will, therefore, jeopardise their voting rights, which are guaranteed in the Constitution.

The electoral body should come up with measures to ensure that no one is left out of the voter registration.

{Makara Evans, Nyahururu}