Religious leaders called upon to participate in the battle against substance abuse

In a bold call to action, Fredrick Ngugi, the director of the National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) in Kenya, has urged church leaders to take a leading role in rehabilitating drug addicts across the country.

Ngugi, who has personally rescued and rehabilitated several addicts in Mombasa, expressed regret that many religious organizations overlook the drug menace that has turned youths into zombies. He encouraged church leaders not to ignore addicts living on the streets and to take action by identifying addicts and ensuring they get rehabilitated.

The issue of drug and alcohol abuse is particularly prevalent in Mombasa and Nairobi, with an estimated 3.5 million youths aged between 15 and 24 addicted to drugs and alcohol in Kenya. Some drug addicts who are unable to access rehabilitation are dying from self-inflicted injuries, according to Ngugi.

Ngugi urged the clergy to personally take responsibility for rehabilitating at least one addict and helping them access rehabilitation. He believes that religious leaders, with their influence and resources, can play a significant role in addressing this pressing issue.

Meanwhile, the Mombasa International Show is set to bring together over 200 exhibitors, including newcomers from various countries. The show, which will run from Wednesday to Sunday, will feature a diverse range of exhibitors, including the Kipchimchim Group, the Office of the Auditor-General, Kenya Sugar Board, Dola Group, Mombasa Cement, and Inchcape Kenya.

Entry fees for the show will be Sh350 for adults, Sh300 for children, and Sh250 for groups of 10 or more children. The show promises to be a vibrant event showcasing the best of Mombasa's culture, business, and innovation.

However, the agriculture sector in Kenya is facing significant challenges. Bishop Mwaro Baya, a prominent religious leader, attributed the decline in food production in some areas to a lack of government support and poor market prices for produce. He urged the government to address food security by supporting farmers to increase production.

Agriculture is not rewarding, and some farmers have abandoned it due to lack of profitability. Bishop Baya's call for government intervention comes at a critical time when food security is a pressing concern for many Kenyans.

In a separate development, Bishop Baya also urged the government to address the issue of poor market prices for produce. He argued that this is a major hindrance to food production and called on the government to implement policies that would ensure fair prices for farmers.

In conclusion, while the Mombasa International Show promises to be an exciting event, the issues of drug addiction and food security remain pressing concerns for Kenya. Fredrick Ngugi's call for religious leaders to take a leading role in rehabilitating drug addicts and Bishop Baya's calls for government intervention in agriculture and food security underscore the need for collective action to address these challenges.