Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has convened elected leaders from across the county to coordinate a stronger response to drug and substance abuse.

The meeting brought together officials from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) and Reach Out Trust.

Mr Nassir said the goal was to align county and national efforts into a practical, people-centred framework.

“Our focus is coordinated prevention and support structures, including rehabilitation services and medication-assisted treatment clinics, so that those affected can access care with dignity and a clear path to recovery,” Mr Nassir said.

Drug abuse has for years been a major challenge at the Coast. Government reports and civil society studies highlight Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale as hotspots for heroin, cocaine and emerging synthetic drugs, with trafficking, youth unemployment and poverty driving the crisis.

Chief Justice Martha Koome recently gazetted four magistrates’ courts to handle narcotics cases, including Mombasa, JKIA, Kahawa and Busia. The courts are intended to fast-track cases, reduce backlogs and improve coordination with enforcement agencies.

The move follows President William Ruto's declaration of drug and alcohol abuse a national emergency.

In his New Year address from Eldoret, he directed multi-agency action against traffickers, expansion of rehabilitation centres across counties, and closer coordination at border points and ports of entry.

Mr Nassir said counties could no longer treat drug abuse as a policing issue alone.

“This challenge requires partnership, compassion and sustained action,” he said. “We must combine enforcement with prevention and rehabilitation if we are to protect our young people and communities.”

County leadership says the success of the renewed crackdown will depend on consistent funding, accountability, and public trust in the system designed to help those struggling with addiction.