UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI ALCOHOL AND DRUGS OF ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY - 2010

The main objectives of the policy shall be; To promote a safe and healthy working environment for all employees and students. To minimize any alcohol and drug related risks to the University, University community and to other individuals. To outline the appropriate management action where an employee and/or a student is suspected of having alcohol and/or drug abuse problem.

Objectives cont…. To provide information on the effects of alcohol and drugs and to enhance an understanding of the likely symptoms of abuse. To encourage and provide care and support for employees, their dependants and students with alcohol and/or drug abuse problems to seek assistance.

The Purpose of the Policy The purpose of this policy is to ensure the employees, their dependents and students of the University of Nairobi are fit for duty and learning tasks.

The Government Response to the situation in Kenya The Office of the National Agency for the Campaign against Drug Abuse in Kenya (NACADAA) was established under a Kenya Gazette Notice of 27th, March 2001. The main function for the Agency was to campaign against drug abuse and to create awareness on the dangers of drug abuse.  NACADAA was also charged with the responsibility of coordinating all other government agencies and/or departments concerned with the suppression of drug supply and demand.

The Situation at The University of Nairobi - Prevalence of drug abuse among students in College of Health Sciences - 2009  Drug Active use in the Past 3 months (%) Reported lifetime use (%) Tobacco products 10.67 21 Alcoholic beverages 38.49 52.6 Cannabis 5.71 10.8 Cocaine 1.26 1.9 Amphetamines 1.09 2.3 Inhalants 0.84 2.9 Sedatives 2.35 4.9 Hallucinogens 2.5 Opioids 0.34 1.7 Khat 8.32 16 Others 1.34 1.8

The rationale and justification of the policy The University of Nairobi has been a leading world-class institution in producing the top cream manpower for both national and international development. To continue in this lead, and to enhance productivity of its members, there is need to deal with the increasingly encroaching alcohol and drug abuse problems.

Justification for an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Policy University businesses and workplaces are increasingly experiencing declining productivity due to problems related to alcohol and drug abuse. Uncontrolled consumption of alcohol and prohibited drugs is showing a rising trends which in turn has encouraged increased criminal behaviour, indiscipline cases among employees and students together with increasing absence from work or lectures.

Employees and Students conduct: related care, support and prevention programs Care, support and prevention programs shall be provided for in this policy. Recognition of the fact that there are or there can be employees, their dependants and students who are affected by the vice. In providing these services, the University shall always be guided by the terms of service for employees and regulations governing the conduct of employees and students. The principles of non-disclosure as are applicable in other related policies shall also be upheld in this policy.

A policy of non-discrimination and non-disclosure. Employees and their dependants shall not be stigmatised and/or discriminated against on the basis of alcohol and drug abuse status. Protection of staff and their dependants shall be enhanced through the provision of education, training, information and sensitization on alcohol and drug abuse. Employees and their dependants shall be accorded counselling, rehabilitation, voluntary testing and treatment as are provided for in their terms of service.

Prevention through information The workplace policy - Information, education and training programmes covering the following areas: Information on effects of alcohol and drug abuse Information about the work environment in relation to alcohol and drug abuse In this regard, is important to have a budget for production and dissemination of IEC materials Establishment of Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) Assessment of working environment and identifying working methods or conditions which would need be changed or improved to prevent ADA

Students protection and the principles of non-disclosure No student shall be denied admission, stigmatized and/or discriminated against on the basis of ADA The University shall not use ADA status to deny student bursaries or scholarships or admission to halls of residents. The University shall provide counselling, rehabilitation and treatment to students affected by ADA problems, while they are on session.

Students protection and the principles of non-disclosure cont.... Every student shall be expected to exercise personal responsibility to protect oneself against ADA tendencies. Unless medically prescribed, no student shall use ADA as a reason for failing to perform duty. Students shall be encouraged to form ADA post-test groups and peer support groups.

Respect, promote and comply with the rules of law. Rules and Regulations Governing Employee Conduct - An Employee of the University of Nairobi- The UON Act, of 1985. Terms of employment, code of conduct and ethics for Public Universities state that an Officer of the University shall: Respect, promote and comply with the rules of law. Conduct him/her self with personal decency and shall be well grounded. Not absent him/her self from duty without a reasonable cause. Strictly adhere to the terms of his/her employment contract.

Terms of employment, code of conduct and ethics for Public Universities state that an Officer of the University shall: Actively and personally promote a culture that aims at providing courteous, fast, friendly, responsive and efficient services Conduct ones affairs in a way that maintains and enhances public confidence in the integrity of the University. Be a role model to colleagues and others and shall refrain from engaging in activities that undermine this role or bring the University into disrepute. To ensure that the services that he/she gives are provided efficiently and honestly.

Terms of employment and code of conduct and ethics for Public Universities state that an Officer of the University shall: Carry out his/ her duties in a way that maintains Public Confidence in the integrity of ones office. Treat the Public and fellow Public Officers with courtesy and respect. Observe official working hours and not be absent without proper authorization or reasonable cause. Maintain an appropriate Standard of dressing and personal hygiene. Discharge any professional responsibilities in a Professional manner. Seek to improve the standards of performance and enhance the level of professionalism in our organization.

Screening to alcohol/drug questionnaire (CAGE)   Have you ever felt you ought to cut down Alcohol/drug abuse? Have people annoyed you by questioning your alcohol/drug abuse? Have you ever felt guilty about your drinking/drug abuse? Have you ever had a drink/drug first thing in the morning (Eye opener)?  Any yes answer qualifies you for assessment. Seek help.

The end Any Questions Pauline Micheni University Health Services