NACADA PARTNERS WITH KENYA PORTS AUTHORITY (KPA) TO ADDRESS ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE IN THE COAST REGION

NACADA and the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) have partnered to address alcohol and drug abuse issues in the Coast region. During the official launch of the collaboration, KPA handed over a one million shillings cheque to NACADA as part of its contribution to the treatment and rehabilitation efforts being undertaken at the Miritini Drug Rehabilitation Centre.

NACADA Board Chair, Prof. Mabel Imbuga, expressed appreciation for the donation and the collaboration with KPA in the implementation of workplace prevention intervention and wellness programs on alcohol and drug abuse. She noted that, “the contribution from Kenya Ports Authority has come at a time when the Authority is reaching out to partners to support this very important initiative.”

Eng. Rashid Salim, KPA Acting Managing Director reiterated the need for treatment and aftercare for drug use disorders, noting that the vice has equally affected the KPA staff wellness and their productivity.
This partnership is in light of the increased prevalence of multiple drugs and substance abuse as well as substance use disorders among residents in the coastal region (NACADA, 2017). It is a clear indicator that there is a problem which needs to be addressed through a multi-sectoral approach.

The Miritini Drug Rehabilitation Centre was established following a Presidential Directive in 2015 that saw the transformation of the Miritini National Youth Service (NYS) camp into a Drug Rehabilitation Centre to provide care and support for youths affected by drug and substance abuse.

Prof. Imbuga revealed that NACADA’s dream is to put the NACADA Centre of Excellence as a model facility in Africa in the control and management of alcohol and drug abuse.