National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has praised the Governor of Meru County, H.E. Kiraitu Murungi and his administration for close working relationship and cooperation with National Government agencies which has streamlined and eased the operation of the authority in the County to combat the negative impact of drug and substance abuse among residents.

Speaking today during a joint training session for officers who will be involved in a baseline survey exercise on alcohol and drug use in the County, Eastern Regional Coordinator for NACADA Mr. Alex Njeru said that working closely with Meru County Alcoholic Drinks Control Board various milestones have been achieved in the County towards combating the problem.

"We thank the Governor of Meru because it is the only County in the region where we have worked jointly to accredit rehabilitation centers and even launch a support group for victims of drug and substance abuse, which is now attracting attention for membership countrywide," said Mr. Njeru.

Board CEO Mr. Mwaki Arimi revealed that through the partnership, NACADA will be sponsoring rehabilitation and treatment for 40 Meru residents who are victims of addition from drug and substance abuse free of charge, that will be facilitated by the authority through NHIF.

"The exercise we are carrying out today will give our ground officers the knowledge and expertise to carry out a survey and provide data which will be critical for our Government under the leadership of Governor Kiraitu Murungi, to plan and make critical decisions on development and implementation of the vision of Making Meru Great," added Mr. Mwaki.

Mr. Mwaki also cautioned the people of Meru against unscrupulous individuals who are collecting bribes from business owners pretending to work on behalf of the County, saying that there are no such monies paid for any licenses in form of cash to the County Government. He called on business owners to report such individuals to relevant authorities.

The exercise also comprised the County departments of Economic Planning and Efficiency Monitoring Unit.

"Our officers and researchers are involved in the exercise because they will vet the data for purposes of planning for the development of our County, and we wish to thank our Governor Kiraitu Murungi, for facilitating this kind of smooth coordination and close cooperation between agencies of our Government in order to deliver the best for the people of Meru," said Ms. Terry Kimonye, the County Director for Economic Planning.