NACADA Reveals Kenya’s First Wastewater Drug Survey

National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) launched the results of the first national wastewater survey in Kenya, revealing pervasive levels of cannabis, heroin, and cocaine use across the nation.

The study, carried out by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse, collected sewage samples to track real-time drug usage patterns and determine consumption levels in Kenya without survey respondents’ self-reporting.

The results validate survey data in ways surveys often cannot say, CEO Dr Anthony Omerikwa.

“Wastewater does not lie. It catches what surveys miss.” Omerikwa stated, “Users can hide their habit from their spouse and doctor, but cannot hide from the sewer system.”

Substances Detected in Drug Use Analysis

Cannabis, heroin, and cocaine were detected as the top substances among many other chemicals found in the samples, and it is suspected that new active substances, also referred to as designer drugs, are in circulation in some locations.

There was also chemical evidence of the production of methamphetamine and MDMA within Kenya’s own borders, indicating that illicit drug labs exist within Kenya.

Investigators discovered heroin samples mixed with caffeine, cough syrup, and, alarmingly, anti-malaria drugs.

Cocaine was laced with levamisole- an animal dewormer, known to have severe health impacts on humans.

NACADA also highlighted and expressed concern regarding the extensive misuse of prescription medications, demonstrating gaps in control and enforcement.

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Drug Use Data Collection and Analysis

According to the report data, a true depiction of the level of drug use, whereas household surveys are prone to underreporting and cannot be relied upon due to the shame and fear of prosecution.

“Our sewers are talking. We have finally decided to listen.”NACADA posted on its social media page.

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According to officials, the data will serve to improve future interventions related to the national strategy for the control of illicit drugs, including disruption of supply chains and expanded treatment options.

A full report with methodology and data breakdowns is coming later this year.

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Kenya’s Sewers Reveal the Truth About Drug Use/ PHOTO FILES