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About 1 million people in Rift Valley are drug addicts, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has said.

Speaking during the launch of a treatment and rehabilitation centre at the Koiwa Hospital in Bomet county, Nacada chairman Stephen Mairori made the revelation noting that about 400,000 need rehabilitation.

“In Rift Valley alone, about 1 million people use alcohol and other forms of drugs. Those who need rehabilitation are about 400,000, that’s a large number,” Mairori stated.

The event was attended by the spouse of Deputy President Pastor Dorcas Rigathi who on her part acknowledged that the government’s efforts to combat drugs and substance abuse have borne fruit.

She also expressed concern over the current prevalence of drugs in Bomet urging the county head to act promptly.

“Our efforts to combat drugs and substance abuse have borne fruit. I understand there is a 22 per cent prevalence of drugs in this county. That is very bad, and if we don’t do something Governor (Barchok) this county will have a big problem,” she stated.

She also cautioned individuals involved in operating the business of illicit brews and justified that the businesses must end regardless of whether they earn a living for families.

“I have heard some saying I will cause their businesses to shut down. Let them be shut down and let people do other activities, this business of killing our children must end,” she said.

Further, the Second Lady called on counties to welcome rehabilitation centres in order to safeguard the future of the country.