By Caroline Katana
“I was a drug addict for nine years. I injected myself daily. It ruined my health.” These were the chilling words of Ngoni Said, a recovering drug user, speaking at the commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held at Kombani grounds in Kwale County.
Ngoni revealed that although he was fortunate to avoid contracting HIV, his drug use led to Hepatitis C — a disease he has since been treated for and fully recovered from. His descent into addiction, he said, began at home.
“Family can be a key influence. My uncle was both a user and a dealer. He introduced me to this life by involving me in his operations when I was still a child,” Ngoni said.
The journey through addiction was marked by crime, lies, theft, imprisonment, and broken family ties.
But Ngoni turned a corner in 2015 after undergoing a nine-month methadone-assisted treatment at Coast General Hospital.
Kwale County NACADA Coordinator, Eunice Kijala
He credits community-based organizations (CSOs) that conduct outreach in drug dens for helping him change.
Today, he praises the efforts of the Kwale County Government and partners who have established a methadone center in Kombani, ensuring continued access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) despite international funding cuts by US President Donald Trump.
Ngoni now calls on the county government to go further by establishing a vocational training institute at the methadone center.
“Recovering addicts need skills to rebuild their lives,” he emphasized.
A Growing Threat
Ngoni’s story mirrors a broader crisis. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) World Drug Report 2024, over 296 million people worldwide used drugs in 2021— a 23% increase over the previous decade. Alarmingly, 39.5 million people suffer from drug use disorders, yet only 1 in 5 receive treatment.
Kwale Community Working Group representative, Mariam Kasbai
The report also highlights an alarming trend among young people. Drug use among those aged 15–34 has significantly increased globally, driven by growing social pressures, unemployment, and digital drug markets.
Meanwhile, opioids remain the deadliest category, accounting for 76% of drug-related deaths, mostly due to overdoses.
In Africa, where access to treatment is limited, the challenge is compounded by weak healthcare systems, stigma, and porous borders that enable drug trafficking.
Prevention and Policy in Kwale
Mariam Kasbai of the Kwale Community Working Group linked poor parenting and social neglect to rising drug use.
“When children go astray, society blames mothers. Yet often, there’s a parenting gap that we must address,” she said.
Her organization works with law enforcement, teachers, business leaders, and beach management units to prevent drug entry, particularly through Kenya’s porous coastline.
Kwale County Commissioner, Stephen Orinde
She called for tighter security at beaches and urged authorities to monitor school-age children who loiter during non-holiday seasons.
In Kenya, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) estimates that 11.5% of the population is affected by alcohol abuse, 8.5% by smoking, and 3.6% by chewing miraa.
In Kwale, NACADA County Coordinator Eunice Kijala said many addicts suffer from mental health issues, including bipolar disorder, and are involved in organized crime.
“This crisis has torn apart families, increased insecurity, and driven youth into poverty,” Kijala said.
She emphasized that NACADA is working in schools and communities, encouraging early interventions rather than punishment.
“There is no school that is immune.” She said.
Youth Empowerment and ID Challenges
Youth leader Adam Juma Magonjwa stressed the need for economic empowerment and easier access to national identification documents.
“Without IDs, young people can’t apply for jobs or register businesses. It’s a county crisis,” he said.
Governor Fatuma Achani echoed his concerns, urging the national government to streamline ID registration.
She reported that over 800 drug users have completed rehabilitation in Kwale, while more than 1,000 are on Medication-Assisted Treatment.
“Change begins with the individual. We have programs to support the youth, but some relapse before finishing their treatment. We must strengthen follow-up care,” Achani said.
She added that youth must organize into groups and register companies to benefit from government tenders.
“You can’t get government contracts without an ID.” She added.
Kwale County governor, Fatuma Achani
Tough Talk from Authorities
Kwale County Commissioner Stephen Orinde issued a stern warning to drug traffickers.
“You are destroying our youth. Security agencies will not rest,” he said, promising support for those recovering from addiction.
NACADA, has launched a toll-free hotline (1192) for the public to report drug activity, but uptake in Kwale remains low compared to border towns like Malaba, Garisa, and Busia. “We urge Kwale residents to speak out,” added Kijala.
She also confirmed that NACADA is working with Border Management Committees to seal trafficking routes and train officials on how to handle drug seizures in compliance with the law.
Sports for Peace, Recovery, and Change
The event’s theme, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” was underscored by a football match between four local youth teams.
Sambasports Youth Trust FC defeated Kombani Youth FC with two goals to clinch the peace trophy, highlighting the role of sports in engaging young people and steering them away from drugs.
