Former National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) Chairman Mr. John Mututho has called on the government to consider increasing funding to the agency tasked with fighting illicit drugs.
Mututho noted that underfunding was negatively affecting the agency that is now incapacitated due to lack of funds and adequate resources to undertake its mandate.
He spoke at Nyandarua National Polytechnic during a health talk on mental health and the adverse effects of alcohol and substance abuse.
He noted that while NACADA was doing a noble duty, it must be empowered and well financed.
He, however, expressed his reservations, noting that despite the efforts, the influential individuals behind the illicit business of manufacturing or selling such drugs were walking scot-free, while consumers are forced to face the full force of the law.
He cited that this was a high level of corruption that is also affecting other sectors of the economy.
The former NACADA chairman observed that increased funding will help even in the putting up of rehabilitation centers to manage drug addicts in the counties.
Such funding can also be channeled to institutions of learning to facilitate awareness campaigns.
Stakeholders called for strengthening the fight against drugs and substance abuse.
They asked for involvement of the community in the fight, saying lack of their involvement is the missing link to effectively addressing the drug issue in Kenya.
