MPs are considering harsher fines and sentencing for drug traffickers to reinforce the fight against illicit drugs in Kenya.
The lawmakers are pushing for tougher laws against drug traffickers whereby they will have to
pay fines of up to Sh50 million alongside life imprisonment.
Under the Narcotics, Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Amendment Bill, 2020, proposals, law enforcement officers colluding with drug traffickers should also face tough laws.
Manufacturers of substances used to make illicit drugs will be liable.
The proposals indicate that the quantity of trafficked drugs will determine the penalties. The harshest penalties will be faced by drug traffickers possessing over 101gm.
Those possessing between 51-100gm will be fined nothing less than Sh30 million with jail terms of not less than 20 years.
A fine of Sh250,000 will be imposed on smoking narcotic substances such as bhang.
According to the current law, drug traffickers face a Sh1 million fine, or three times the drug's market value as the individual faces life imprisonment.
MP Paul Koinange sponsored the new proposed Bill, which states, "The principal object of the Bill is to amend the Narcotics, Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act in order to enhance penalties to the offense in possession and trafficking in narcotics and psychotropic substances."
Currently, Kenya has weak laws, porous borders, and corruption which make it a major drug trafficking hub.
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