NACADA Raises Alarm Over Emerging 'SGR' Drug Targeting Young People

By Elijah Cherutich

The emergence of a new street drug known as “SGR” has heightened concern among anti-drug agencies, with anti-drugs agency warning that the substance is rapidly gaining popularity among young people despite intensified efforts to disrupt its supply and expand prevention programmes.

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) said it is working closely with law enforcement agencies, schools, parents and community stakeholders to combat the spread of the new drug through enhanced enforcement, public awareness campaigns, treatment and rehabilitation programmes.

Speaking during the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking commemorations at Nyayo Gardens in Nakuru, NACADA County Coordinator Robert Olweny said the agency was adopting a multi-sectoral approach to address the growing threat posed by emerging substances.

“It’s a menace that we need to combat in all aspects right from prevention to those who need treatment and rehabilitation to ensure that we achieve high standards of sober society,” said Olweny.

He noted that while enforcement agencies continue targeting traffickers and suppliers, long-term success will depend on strengthening prevention efforts within families, schools and communities to stop young people from experimenting with drugs.

Olweny challenged parents to become more involved in their children’s lives, saying peer pressure remains one of the leading factors driving substance abuse among adolescents and young adults. He urged families to monitor behavioural changes that could signal early drug use.

According to Olweny, many parents are spending less quality time with their children, making it difficult to identify emotional or behavioural changes that may expose them to alcohol and drug abuse.

He added that NACADA has intensified partnerships with learning institutions to educate students on the dangers of substance abuse, saying alcohol and drugs continue to contribute to disciplinary challenges and other social problems affecting learners.

The agency said preventive education remains one of its key strategies, alongside supply suppression and rehabilitation, as it seeks to reduce the demand for drugs and build resilient communities capable of protecting vulnerable youth.

The event also featured testimony from recovering drug addict Godfrey Otieno, who recounted his 23-year struggle with addiction after being introduced to alcohol at a young age before progressing to hard drugs.

“Drugs ruined my life completely, I abused everything and it ruined my life entirely including my relationship with most of my nuclear members,” said Otieno.

Otieno encouraged young people to avoid experimenting with alcohol and narcotics, saying addiction destroys families, careers and livelihoods, while urging those battling substance abuse to seek professional help before it is too late.