A new report by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has revealed alarming trends in drug and substance abuse across Kenya, highlighting a growing public health crisis.
Conducted in collaboration with the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and the Tobacco Control Board, the 2022 survey shows that 4.7 million Kenyans aged 15–65 are currently using at least one drug or substance, with early initiation and rising addiction rates compounding the situation.
Key Findings:
- 1 in 6 Kenyans (4.7M) use at least one drug or substance.
- 1 in 8 (3.2M) regularly consume alcohol.
- 1 in 12 (2.3M) use tobacco.
- 1 in 53 (518K) use cannabis.
- 1 in 500 (60K) misuse prescription drugs.
- 1 in 15 (1.77M) engage in polydrug use (multiple substances).
The report shows troubling patterns of early drug initiation, with children starting tobacco use as early as age 6, alcohol at 7, cannabis and prescription drugs at 8, and miraa at 9. Harder drugs like heroin and cocaine are reported among individuals aged 18 and 20, respectively.
Cannabis use has surged by 90% over the past five years, while addiction rates remain high: 42.4% of alcohol users, 38.8% of tobacco users, and 47.4% of cannabis users are classified as dependent.
NACADA warns that this escalating trend underscores the need for urgent interventions, calling for:
- Expanded prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services
- Stricter enforcement of drug control laws
- Enhanced awareness campaigns, especially targeting the youth
The findings signal a deepening social and health emergency requiring immediate action to stem the growing tide of substance abuse.
