National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has raised alarm over the increasing cases of drug abuse in Isiolo County, citing limited support from the county government in addressing the problem.

According to NACADA Compliance Officer in Isiolo County Collins Kipchumba, miraa remains the most abused substance among residents, surpassing alcohol, bhang and other narcotics. Kipchumba attributed the widespread consumption of miraa to its legality and availability from the neighbouring Meru County.

Kipchumba appealed for concerted effort from different sectors, including the county government for the war against drugs to be won easily. He said the county government should take decisive legal or administrative action to curb drug abuse and to further complement the national government effort.

Kipchumba further noted that the authority needs additional financial and logistical support to effectively carry out its mandate.

“The county government ought to support our activities and also ensure the licensing of bars was controlled accordingly,” he said.

He added that the absence of public rehabilitation centres in Isiolo worsened the situation, forcing addicts to rely on costly private facilities that many could not afford. He said NACADA has proposed merging rehabilitation services with outpatient programmes to make treatment more accessible.

To address the growing challenge, NACADA has initiated several programmes, including awareness creation among students, countywide anti-drug campaigns and community awareness programmes aimed at reducing substance abuse.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Eussania Adhiambo and David Nduro