The rising number of residents consuming drugs in Mombasa is worrying, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Drug Abuse (Nacada) has said.
Nacada on Wednesday said majority of those affected are youth who are supposed to be passionate about developing their careers and ensuring their families live decent lives.
County Nacada chief George Karisa told reporters at a press briefing that the state is so worrying that crime may also escalate in the Coastal county.
"Unemployment is the biggest problem," Karisa said after a workshop organised by Nacada to sensitize youth on the negative effects of drugs at a Mombasa hotel.
"There is also peer pressure, but we are doing what we can to reverse the situation."
Mombasa, due to its strategic location along the Indian Ocean is a key transit zone for hard drugs including heroin and cocaine. This has provided an environment for youth to abuse the drugs.
The county government through Governor Hassan Joho in 2017 constructed a rehabilitation centre for residents consuming drugs saying he "won't stand and watch as Mombasa population goes to waste".
There are also efforts between the count and the national governments to establish a new similar centre in Mombasa town to address the issue.