This article was written by SSDP Kenya Chapter Leader Marveine Atieno ’19.

I am Marveline Atieno, a student at the University of Nairobi studying Political science and international relations. I am an upcoming activist and I decided to start the chapter because the previous team all graduated. I joined SSDP to stand for the rights of students who are currently going through and those who have been through harsh treatment on campus due to them using drugs and bring a change through sensible drug policies in Kenyan Campuses.

I come from Kenya. The policies in Kenya are very suppressive, especially on students, this includes even being suspended and harrased by campus police. We need sensitization of the public, especially Universities, using posters and workshops to educate and sensitize people.

Our goal is to make an impact among lives at the University of Nairobi  and to provide a safe space for students to talk about policies around drugs without stigma. We consist of  10 members focused on one mission, most of the members have encountered the harms caused by the drug war hence are determined to reform campus drug policies. Our focus is to inspire other universities in Kenya to come up with chapters of our society.