Harm Reduction Society Calls for Stronger Policies on Alcohol, Pesticides, Tobacco and Cannabis

-

The Harm Reduction Society of Kenya has called for stronger government policies and regulations to protect Kenyans from the harmful effects associated with alcohol, pesticides, tobacco and cannabis.

Speaking during a conference, the society’s Secretary General, Dr. Kariuki, said Kenya needs to promote safer alternatives while strengthening laws governing the manufacture, sale, marketing and distribution of products that pose health risks.

Dr. Kariuki said the society is advocating for the removal of extremely and highly hazardous pesticides from the Kenyan market and urged the government and the Pest Control Products Board to fast-track measures aimed at ensuring safer agricultural products.

On alcohol, the society called for stronger regulations to protect young people and reduce alcohol addiction. Dr. Karuki urged Kenyans to consume alcohol responsibly, know their limits and seek assistance if they are struggling with addiction.

He noted that alcohol-related harm affects people across different professions and communities, including the medical, teaching and law-enforcement sectors, making coordinated intervention and public education necessary.

The society also called for greater public discussion on medicinal cannabis, noting that medicinal cannabis differs from recreational cannabis in its composition, particularly in the levels of THC and CBD.

Dr. Kariuki said Kenya should have an informed, scientific conversation on medicinal cannabis and develop an appropriate regulatory framework.

On tobacco, the society said it supports greater recognition of the risks associated with combustible tobacco products and called for regulations governing safer alternatives.

The Harm Reduction Society further urged Parliament to expedite the passage of proposed legislation on harm reduction, saying delays in the legislative process are slowing efforts to move from advocacy to implementation.

The society said it expects to work closely with the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), particularly on alcohol policy and strategies aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm.

Dr. Kariuki said continued public education remains critical in helping Kenyans understand the dangers associated with harmful products and make informed choices.

The society reiterated that harm reduction should combine responsible individual choices, public education, evidence-based alternatives and strong government regulation.

Popular posts from this blog

IGAD Executive Secretary Calls for United AI and Cybersecurity Strategy to Secure Horn of Africa

-
Image
By irene  The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, has issued a compelling call for regional collaboration in adopting artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity measures to safeguard the future of security, development, and digital resilience across the Greater Horn of Africa. Speaking during the Regional Consultative Seminar on Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity for Security, Cooperation, and Resilience, Dr. Gebeyehu emphasized the transformative potential of technology when guided by ethical leadership and human-centered values. “Technology best serves humanity when we, as humanity, guide its development,” he said, while addressing dignitaries including Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for ICT Hon. William Kabogo and the Norwegian Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Gunnar Andreas Holm. The IGAD chief cited AI as a critical tool in enhancing regional law enforcement capabilities, combatin...
Read more

Incoming Nairobi Women Representative Florence Kilasi Calls for Women-Centered Leadership During Donholm Church Service

-
Image
Incoming Nairobi Women Representative Hon. Florence Kilasi on Sunday joined congregants for a church service in Donholm, where she held engagements with women and youth on the importance of leadership that prioritizes empowerment and community development. Speaking during the gathering, Kilasi encouraged women to remain united and actively support leaders committed to uplifting families, creating opportunities for women, and initiating beneficial projects that improve livelihoods across Nairobi. The incoming Nairobi Women Representative emphasized the need for inclusive leadership that listens to the concerns of ordinary wananchi, especially women struggling with unemployment, economic hardship, and limited access to empowerment opportunities. Kilasi noted that women play a critical role in shaping society and should be at the forefront of leadership and decision-making processes. She pledged to champion programs aimed at empowering women economically, supportin...
Read more

Incoming Nairobi Women Representative Hon. Florence Kilasi Articulates Her Vision Before Leaders

-
Image
 Incoming Nairobi Women Representative Hon. Florence Kilasi has outlined her vision and manifesto for Nairobi residents during a leaders’ engagement forum attended by senior political leaders, among them Prime Cabinet Secretary Hon. Musalia Mudavadi. Addressing the gathering, Kilasi said her leadership agenda is anchored on empowering women, supporting youth and small businesses, improving access to healthcare, and strengthening community development programmes across Nairobi’s constituencies. She emphasized the need for inclusive leadership that prioritizes service delivery, economic opportunities, and social welfare, noting that women and young people should be at the centre of Nairobi's development agenda. Kilasi said her manifesto seeks to address challenges facing vulnerable families through expanded support for women groups, enhanced healthcare services, and initiatives aimed at creating employment opportunities for young people. The incoming Nairobi Women Represe...
Read more