The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) is concerned with what it says is a dangerous trend– private rental spaces, particularty short-term accommodations being turned into drug dens.
Recent incidents, NACADA says, have revealed that these premises are being misused for drug-fueled parties, illicit alcohol consumption, and in some cases, tragic fatalities due to substance overdoses.
NACADA, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, has been conducting sustained crackdowns on illicit drug operations in entertainment venues,rl residential areas, and major urban centers.
This enforcement pressure seems to have forced individuals involved in the illegal drug trade to shift their activities to seemingly discreet locations such as short-term accomodation facilities where they attempt to evade scrutiny.
Over the past year, multiple reports have emerged of young people having indulged in drugs in these accomodation spaces, in some incidences leading to deadly overdose.
In Nairobi, a string of such cases has raised alarms about the urgent need for firmer monitoring and regulation of short term rental accommodations.
A report by NACADA indicates that 23% of young adults aged 18-24 in urban areas have engaged in drug use at social gatherings, with private venues such
as short-term accomodations accounting for a significant percentage of these cases.
“This situation calls for immediate action from all stakeholders and we urge [short-term accomodation] hosts and property managers to exercise due diligence in screening guests and flagging any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities,” NACADA implores.
NACADA CEO Anthony Omerikwa says the authority remains committed to fighting drug and alcohol abuse in all forms.
“We are intensifying surveillance, awareness campaigns, and collaborations with the police, county governments, and private sector players to curb this emerging threat,” Omerikwa says, urging “Parents, guardians, and communities to remain vigilant and actively engage young people in constructive activities to steer them away from the dangers of drug abuse.”
The authority has also called upon all Kenyans to report any suspected drug-related activities through NACADA’s hotline 1192 which is FREE and available for 24 hours.
