NATIONAL Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse has embarked on sensitisation of Boda boda operators against engaging in drug and alcohol abuse.

Nacada Central Kenya regional manager James Macharia said  boda boda operators are a  vulnerable group due to the nature of their business.

Speaking yesterday at a sensitisation forum for operators in Nyeri , Macharia said  his organisation will focus on cautioning the bodaboda operators to desist from engaging on any alcohol or drug abuse and trafficking.

Macharia said the most commonly abused drugs in Central Kenya was bhang and alcohol  by young people aged 35 years and below.

He added that there is a sharp increase in abuse of other hard drugs such as cocaine.

Macharia said Nacada wants to caution the operators about the dangers involved in engaging in alcohol and drug abuse while operating as the risk of causing accidents increases.

The regional Nacada boss added that the aim of the sensitisation  is to enable them pass the  information on clients they ferry.

"The nature of their business  puts them at risk of being used by drug traffickers, commercial sex workers and other criminals bent on engaging on drug related criminal activities such as transporting and peddling," Macharia said.

He further said that there will be regular monthly follow ups  by Nacada officials where intervention measures such as counseling and rehabilitation will be employed for those already in the vice.