The Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security on Thursday, June 14, 2024 called upon the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) to be vibrant on the fight against illicit drugs.

The call was made during a meeting presided over by Chairperson, Hon. Gabriel Tongoyo (Narok West). During the meeting Members sought to know the reason the Authority was silent on the ongoing debate on ban on muguka in the coastal region.

 In his submission, NACADA, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Anthony Omerikwa explained that the authority is a regulatory body and asked Members to amend laws so as to expand their mandate.

“NACADA is a regulator. Our mandate revolves around enhancing compliance. Adjustments to that law would help us expand our scope”, explained Dr. Omerikwa.

He added that according to the Second Schedule of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance (Control) Act No. 4 of 1994, Cathine and Cathinone; the chemicals contained in muguka, are classified as psychotropic substances.

He further explained that the said Act criminalizes any trade in psychotropic substances.

“According to Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance (Control) Act No. 4 of 1994, any person who traffics any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance or any substance represented or held out by him to be a narcotic drug or psychotropic substance, shall be guilty of an offence”, noted Dr. Omerikwa

The Committee however expressed dissatisfaction with the responses provided by the Authority. As a result, Hon. Tongoyo asked the team from NACADA to present a detailed report demonstrating the impact of alcohol and drug abuse in counties across the country.