The Deputy Vice Chancellor PR&I, Prof. Charles Mutai chairing the meeting during the courtesy call.
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has partnered with the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), in an effort to investigate and combat the rising concerns of drug and substance use among University students in Kenya. This collaboration aims to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the status, prevalence and patterns of substance use within the university campuses across the country. Today 1st November, 2023, a team from NACADA led by the Program Officer- Department of Research and Policy, Ms. Clara Soo, paid a courtesy call to the Division of Planning Research and Innovation, where they were received by the Deputy Vice Chancellor PR&I, Prof. Charles Mutai. The call was made for purposes of initiating the crucial groundwork for the upcoming research project, ‘Status of Drugs and Substance Use Among University Students in Kenya.’
During the meeting, both parties underscored the significance of a data-driven approach to understanding the intricate dynamics of substance abuse within the University community and beyond. The discussions also revolved around the formulation of a comprehensive research framework that would encompass a wide array of factors contributing to the prevalence of drug and substance use among the student population.
Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Mutai expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing the need for a concerted effort in the research and promoting a culture of awareness and prevention on campus. He assured the team of the institution’s unwavering commitment to fostering a safe and conducive learning environment, highlighting its dedication to nurturing a generation of well-rounded individuals.
Deputy Vice Chancellor PR&I, Prof. Charles Mutai addressing the participants.
Additionally, Prof. Mutai lauded NACADA for working with universities on issues of drugs and substance abuse. He quoted several benefits including the ability of the University to provide them with access to a diverse and representative sample of the population for study, availability of research expertise and resources, as well as facilitation of community engagement and awareness campaigns that ensures sustainability for their research efforts and interventions.
“Expect a lot of outputs because this is where knowledge and solutions that guide a nation in addressing its pressing challenges are generated,” said Prof. Mutai. He assured the NACADA team of the committed staff and well-functioning systems in the University that will see the project to its success.
The Director of Research and Postgraduate Support, Prof. Francis Orata, brought to the attention of the members the urgent need to address the proliferation of new psychoactive substances in the market, which poses a significant threat to our student community and the youth at large. He noted that the techniques of individuals using drugs have transformed, underscoring the critical need to gather this evolving information.
“When combating a continuously evolving challenge, it is important to remain updated,” stated Prof. Orata.
The Director of Research and Postgraduate Support, Prof. Francis Orata making a point during the meeting.
MMUST’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Committee Chairperson, Dr. Dennis Omaiyo reported that the University conducts internal surveys in relation to drug and substance use, where they unearth very vital information that is used in the implementation of the Employee Assistance Programme.
“We have done our alcohol and drugs abuse policy which is in the process of approval. Our goal as a university is to be a centre of excellence in managing issues of drugs in the Western region,” he noted, asking NACADA to assist in suppression of the sources of drugs as they work within the University to suppress the demand.
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Committee Chairperson, Dr. Dennis Omaiyo during the meeting.
“We are glad that MMUST was chosen among other Universities to participate in this very crucial research. We look forward to a very successful exercise in terms of data, which is going to help us to mitigate the detrimental impact of substance abuse on the youth,” said Ms. Clara Soo.
Stressing on the importance of research, Ms. Soo shared a number of researches done by NACADA. She revealed that they have been witnessing a gradual increase in the prevalence of drugs and substance abuse through different educational levels. “Primary school data showed that 10.4% of the pupils had ever used prescription drugs; 7.2% alcohol; 6.0% tobacco; and 1.2% cannabis. Data on lifetime use of drugs and substances of abuse showed that 23.4% of secondary school students had ever used alcohol; 16.1% prescription drugs; 14.5% tobacco; 7.5% cannabis; 1.2%heroin and 1.1% cocaine,” read the research proposal.
It is from this data that NACADA took note of the risk factor for drugs and substance abuse associated with the transition of students from primary to secondary schools and to universities.
The Program Officer- Department of Research and Policy at NACADA, Ms. Clara Soo explains a point during the meeting.
The meeting was deliberately attended by staff from the different faculties and sections in the University, ensuring a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to the research. They included the Director MMUST Enterprises, CPA Michael Wanjala; Dean School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedics Science, Mr. John Arudo; Chairperson Paramedical Science Department, Dr. Tecla Sum; and representing the students fraternity, Mr. Moses Ekitela. The students who will be engaged in the collection and entry of the data for analysis and future use were also present.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Planning Research and Innovation, Prof. Charles Mutai, MMUST team, NACADA team together with students to be engaged in the exercise pose for a photo after the meeting.
Certainly, with a shared commitment to safeguarding the well-being and future of the youth, the joint initiative seeks to shed light on the underlying factors contributing to the growing menace of substance abuse among Kenyan students. Furthermore, the research is expected to culminate in a comprehensive report that will serve as a foundation for policy recommendations and targeted interventions to address this issue effectively.
By Caren Nekesa
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
