Nacada to Launch Crackdown on Airbnbs

Airbnb has been identified by NACADA, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse, as a major enabler of the illicit drug trade in the nation.

The authorities accused them in a statement released on Monday, March 10, for the increase in drug abuse, especially among young people.

NACADA claims that its assault on illegal drugs in residential areas and entertainment venues has forced illegal drug operators to use new tactics to avoid discovery.

Additionally, NACADA said that during the past 12 months, there have been multiple instances of young people using drugs in private renting spaces, some of which have resulted in overdose deaths.

According to the authorities, 23% of young individuals between the ages of 18 and 24 have taken drugs, and private spaces like Airbnbs are a major contributing factor in these situations.

NACADA also demanded in their statement that short-term rental lodgings be subject to more stringent oversight and restrictions. The regulator also cautioned Airbnb hosts against failing to do their due diligence when screening guests and called for stakeholders to take prompt action.

In order to take further action, Airbnb hosts have also been urged to report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

Just weeks after a research revealed a worrying trend—that university teachers were among those distributing narcotics to young people—the authority made its announcement.

According to a recent NACADA poll of 15,730 students, almost half of college students use drugs, and one of the sources is their instructors.

The research also noted that 59.3% of young people’s drug access locations are located close to colleges, including canteens, bars, and other establishments.

The fact that one in two Kenyan university students had abused drugs or other substances at some point in their lives is perhaps more alarming.