Trans Nzoia battles mental health crisis as drug abuse soars
It is against the law for anyone to induce or even avail alcohol or any form of drugs to a minor.
What you need to know:
- The county's mental health challenges are compounded by its status as the epicentre of Kenya's drug and alcohol abuse crisis.
- The crisis has intensified following revelations by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) that Trans Nzoia leads the nation in alcohol and drug abuse, followed closely by Kakamega, Kisumu, and Nairobi.
Trans Nzoia County is grappling with a deepening mental health crisis among its workforce, with officials launching an urgent intervention programme as psychological distress and substance abuse cases surge among county staff.
The County Government has initiated a comprehensive mental health awareness campaign through its Human Resource Department, responding to alarming reports of burnout, emotional exhaustion, and substance abuse that are severely impacting staff performance and well-being.
The crisis has intensified following revelations by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) that Trans Nzoia leads the nation in alcohol and drug abuse, followed closely by Kakamega, Kisumu, and Nairobi.
"We are witnessing a worrying trend in the number of employees experiencing mental health issues. This programme marks a new chapter in how we respond to these challenges," said Assistant County Secretary Gideon Sawe during a staff engagement session at the County Town Hall offices.
Comprehensive training programme
The intervention, operating under the Directorate of Public Service Management, includes a series of mental health training programmes targeting public servants across various departments. The sessions are designed to help staff manage stress, recognise early signs of mental illness, and promote peer support within the workplace.
County Director of Human Resources Emeldah Agoi emphasised the critical link between mental well-being and productivity.
"Mental health is essential for productivity. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure our employees are mentally, physically, and financially healthy," Ms Agoi said.
She urged staff to prioritise their mental health and support struggling colleagues, adding: "When you open up, you begin to heal."
The county's counselling unit has clarified that the initiative is non-medical and designed to empower staff to address mental health challenges proactively.
The programme will cover several critical areas, including staff burnout—chronic emotional and physical exhaustion that may require external support—and eustress, which is positive stress that motivates growth, such as preparing for a promotion or new responsibility.
Training will also address common workplace stressors, including financial strain, interpersonal conflict, organisational restructuring, and tight deadlines.
Participants will learn about the negative effects of unaddressed stress, such as insomnia, absenteeism, reduced productivity, and substance abuse, which serve as early warning signs requiring intervention.
Director of Administration Wycliffe Pakachin called for the formal integration of staff welfare policies and encouraged staff to consider professional counselling training.
"We must institutionalise staff welfare mechanisms. It's not the load that breaks our backs, but how we carry it," he said.
National drug crisis epicentre
The county's mental health challenges are compounded by its status as the epicentre of Kenya's drug and alcohol abuse crisis. During a recent tour of the county, Nacada Chief Executive Officer Dr Anthony Omerikwa revealed that research and rapid assessment show a concerning increase in drug and alcohol abuse in the region.
Dr Omerikwa expressed particular concern over the absence of a rehabilitation facility in Trans Nzoia, describing it as a critical weakness in the county's fight against substance abuse.
"You can imagine that, despite leading the nation in the use of second-generation alcohol and drugs, Trans Nzoia still lacks a rehabilitation centre. This is unacceptable. Alcoholism is a mental illness, and victims need support," he said.
Trafficking hub
The Nacada boss revealed that the authority is deploying a multi-agency, intelligence-led approach to dismantle drug networks and stop the production and sale of second-generation liquor and other narcotics.
Dr Omerikwa noted that Trans Nzoia's proximity to Uganda has made it a hub for both drug trafficking and local production, with ethanol smuggled from across the border being widely used in manufacturing second-generation liquor.
County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi echoed calls for an all-inclusive strategy to address the root causes of drug abuse, highlighting the broader social impact of the crisis.
"Crackdowns alone are not enough. We need community sensitisation, rehabilitation support, and alternative opportunities for youth," he said.
Mr Oyagi noted that drug and alcohol abuse have been directly linked to rising insecurity, teenage pregnancies, and gender-based violence in the region.
