VIENNA — Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to the global fight against narcotics while issuing a urgent call for increased international capacity-building to address the “game changer” of synthetic drugs.

The statement was delivered by the country’s Head of Delegation to the 69th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in Vienna, who is also the Chair of the NACADA Board, Bishop Dr. Stephen Mairori.

Speaking on an agenda item reviewing the implementation of the 2019 Ministerial Declaration, Bishop Mairori outlined Kenya’s robust legal and policy framework, anchored by a National Policy that prioritizes security, public health, and comprehensive care. He affirmed Kenya’s dedication to the principle of common and shared responsibility in drug control.

However, the Kenyan envoy highlighted significant challenges impeding progress, pointing specifically to the “evolving trends” in the drug market. He noted the expansion from traditional plant-based narcotics to synthetic substances that can be manufactured anywhere, as well as the “fashionable” and dangerous combination of different substances.

“These evolving trends are a catalyst to a paradigm shift in countering the world drug problem,” Bishop Mairori stated. “Our interventions must also be live to the impact these substances and drug mixtures have on the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.”

To counter these new threats, Kenya called for a specific focus on developing countries. The delegation stressed the urgent need to strengthen modern forensics to analyze synthetic drugs and New Psychoactive Substances, enhance technological platforms to monitor drug-related activities, and prevent the diversion of precursor chemicals.

Concluding his address, Bishop Mairori welcomed the Commission’s decision to maintain the implementation of commitments as a standing agenda item, expressing hope that by the next major review in 2029, member states will have attained significant results in safeguarding communities worldwide.