Nacada CEO Anthony Omerikwa / FILE
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse has revealed that short-term rentals are used for illegal drug activities.
Nacada said the recent incidents have revealed that the premises are being misused for drug-fueled parties, illicit alcohol consumption, and, in some cases, tragic fatalities due to substance overdoses.
Nacada CEO Anthony Omerikwa said the Authority has been conducting sustained crackdowns on illicit drug operations in collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
He said the operation covered entertainment venues, residential areas, and major urban centers.
“This enforcement pressure has forced individuals involved in the illegal drug trade to shift their activities to seemingly discreet locations such as short-term stay rentals, where they attempt to evade scrutiny,” Omerikwa said.
Nacada said that over the past year, multiple reports have emerged of young people having indulged in drugs in the short-term stay rentals, in some instances leading to deadly overdose.
Omerikwa said 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 per cent of young adults aged 18-24 in urban areas have engaged in drug use at social gatherings, with private venues such as short-term stay rentals accounting for a significant percentage of the cases.
“This situation calls for immediate action from all stakeholders, and we urge short-term stay rental hosts and property managers to exercise due diligence in screening guests and flagging any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities,” he added.
Nacada said it remains committed to fighting drug and alcohol abuse in all forms by intensifying surveillance, awareness campaigns, and collaborations with the police, county governments, and private sector players to curb the emerging threat.
The CEO called on 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.
“We call upon all Kenyans to report any suspected drug-related activities through Nacada's hotline 1192 which is free and available for 24 hours,” Omerikwa said.
