Cabinet Secretary for Interior, Kipchumba Murkomen has proposed the deployment of National Intelligence Service (NIS) officers in universities to contain the rising problem of drug and substance abuse among students.
Speaking on Thursday, February 13, during the launch of NACADA report on the Status of Drug and Substance Abuse in Universities, Murkomen noted that the rate of drug access in higher learning institutions is alarming. The report indicates that alcohol and cannabis are the most accessible substances among university students.
Re-instating Intelligence in Universities
Murkomen suggested that having intelligence officers in universities as we used to have in the past would help in curbing illegal drug activities. He noted that some of the intelligence officers used to operate undercover as students and we were able to monitor and disrupt the drug trade in institutions.
“You know, in the past, we were told that some of the students we saw in the university were not students. They were intelligence officers and they were busy,” Murkomen said.
He has since directed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to consider re-introducing this strategy and have intelligence officers work closely with university administrators, students and law enforcement agencies.
Cracking Down on Drug Networks in Universities
Murkomen also warned of students who are taking longer than usual to complete their studies due to drug related issues. Some students who were enrolled in 4 years courses have taken 7 years to complete their studies.
Also, he pointed out that well-off students are engaging in illicit businesses on campus and warned that the government will deal with them.
“Some universities had notorious students who were very rich, influential and doing no legitimate business. We want to deal with those types of students because of the business they do around,” he said.
To enhance enforcement, Murkomen has directed the police to increase security around universities particularly in areas of Nairobi, Rongai and Kenyatta University.
Anti-Drug Operations to Be Integrated with ATPU
Inspector General Douglas Kanja concurred with Murkomen and said the government is considering to integrate anti-drug operations within the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) to dismantle organized drug networks in institutions of higher learning.
Shocking NACADA Report Findings
The NACADA report is dire: Alcohol is the most accessible with 87.3% availability.
- Cannabis is second most consumed drug.
- Some lecturers and non-teaching staff are involved in selling drugs to students.
The report emphasizes the need for stiffer law enforcement and inter-agency collaboration to prevent drug abuse from destroying students’ academic and personal lives.
As government increases security in universities, the question is whether intelligence surveillance is the way to go or if we should look for alternative solutions.