Trans-Nzoia County Battles Rising Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Trans-Nzoia County Governor, George Natembeya, has called for urgent measures to tackle the escalating problem of alcohol and drug abuse in the County. In a meeting today Morning at his office with members of the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), including CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa, the Governor expressed concern over the recent NACADA reports.

The reports revealed that the Western region, which includes Trans-Nzoia County, leads the country in alcohol consumption at 23.8%. The Coast and Central regions follow at 13.9% and 12.8% respectively. The Western region also tops the list in the consumption of illicit liquor, known as Changáa, at 11.4%.

Governor Natembeya highlighted the alarming data showing that the average age for initiation into substance abuse, including tobacco, alcohol, khat, cannabis, prescription drugs, cocaine, and heroin, is between 16 and 20 years. Shockingly, the minimum age recorded was just six years.

In response to these disturbing trends, the Governor requested NACADA to establish a permanent office in the county. He noted that the Authority’s operations from the regional Eldoret offices have not been effective in promptly addressing the issues affecting the county.

Governor Natembeya pledged his support for NACADA’s efforts, warning that the current trend of youth engaging in substance abuse could lead to the loss of a generation affected by the vice.

The NACADA delegation, led by CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa, outlined the Authority’s achievements and presented new strategies for the coming year to better respond to the dynamic and ever-evolving challenge of alcohol and drug abuse in the country.