Pubdate: Wed, 13 Aug 2003
Source: East African Standard, The (Kenya)
Copyright: 2003 The East African Standard
Contact:  http://www.eastandard.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1743
Author: Victor Bwire

STATE OUTLAWS GLUE SNIFFING

Nairobi

The Government has criminalised the supply of harmful substances to minors 
and glue sniffing by children.

According to the Criminal Law (amendment) Act 2003, No 46, any person found 
distributing substances declared by the Minister for Health as harmful to 
children will be liable to imprisonment for a period of three years.

The National Co-ordinator of the National Agency for the Campaign Against 
Drug Abuse (Nacada), Mr Joseph Kaguthi said the coming into force of the 
new law renders the authority of the Chiefs Authority Act in controlling 
harmful substances supply and use, obsolete.

Kaguthi said the move is long overdue and challenged the Provincial 
Administration, Public Health officers and the Police to ensure that the 
law is enforced.

Kaguthi said non-implementation of laws passed by Parliament is doing a 
very big disservice to the Kenyans, especially children who need special 
attention.

"We have for a long time failed our youngsters, by not acting against such 
vices. The suppliers of glue are known to the law enforcement officers and 
we hope that with the new law, appropriate action will be taken," he said.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens