Parliamentarians’ Caucus Pledges To Strengthen Fight against Drugs And Substance Abuse
The Parliamentarians Against Drugs and Substance Abuse Caucus has pledged to strengthen the fight against drugs and substance abuse through a unified approach in partnership with NACADA and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs).
In a consultative meeting between the Caucus members and a group of CBOs from Nairobi County, the Caucus chairperson Hon. Antoney Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South) said that they are on the verge of reviewing the existing laws on the prevention of drug and substance abuse, with the aim of ensuring their total enforcement.
“The Caucus is committed to strengthening the fight against drugs and substance abuse and is prepared to effect positive change through legislative interventions especially in regulating the advertising, marketing and online sale of alcohol,” Hon. Kibagendi said.
During their presentation, the CBOs led by David Odhiambo of Den of Hope CBO, asked for community involvement in the fight saying it is the missing link in efforts to effectively address the drug issue in Kenya.
Parliamentarians’ Caucus Pledges To Strengthen Fight against Drugs And Substance Abuse
“The local communities should be given a say in licensing, monitoring and reporting of alcohol selling outlets contravening the law. As envisioned in the ADCA 2010, this should be strengthened to ensure communities play a greater role,” Mr. Odhiambo said.
Other Caucus members present were Nairobi county MP, Hon. Esther Passaris and Hon. Rindikiri Mugambi (Buuri), who also assured the CBO’s members that the Caucus will bring other relevant stakeholders on board, in the quest to attain positive change.
Parliamentarians’ Caucus Pledges To Strengthen Fight against Drugs And Substance Abuse
The legislators also called on the relevant stakeholders including NACADA and all County Governments to up their game, especially on awareness creation campaigns.
The CBOs that appeared before the Caucus were; Students Campaign against Drugs, Den of Hope, and Oasis of Love.
