A new report by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) found that peer influence is a major factor, with friends being the primary source of drug exposure for 66.4% of respondents.
The study, conducted among over 15,000 students across the country, revealed that alcohol remains the most prevalent substance, consumed by 87.3% of students, followed by cigarettes (64.4%) and shisha (41.2%).
The Status of Drugs and Substance Use in Kenya Universities: Sources of Drugs and Substances pic.twitter.com/ek9W19YSpA
— NACADA Kenya (@NACADAKenya) February 13, 2025
The report also highlights the concerning rise in the use of other substances, including vaping products, nicotine pouches, and cannabis. Alarmingly, one in nine students reported using marijuana, and one in 24 had used inhalants.
“The study showed that alcohol was the most (87.3%) available substance followed by cigarettes (64.4%), shisha (41.2%), vape/e-cigarettes (31.0%), nicotine pouches (30.7%), kuber (23.0%) and snuff/chewed tobacco (22.1%),” read the report in part.
The Status of Drugs and Substance Use in Kenya Universities: Availability pic.twitter.com/E7eewwfvJi
— NACADA Kenya (@NACADAKenya) February 13, 2025
“This is like fighting an invisible enemy,” NACADA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Omerikwa noted. “You don’t see it coming, but when you realize it’s around, it’s already too late.”
The study, Status Of Drugs And Substance Use Among University Students In Kenya, revealed a disturbing link between youth-led protests and increased drug use, with some individuals first experimenting with drugs during these demonstrations.
Drug dealers, the report warns, are exploiting these situations to introduce young people to substance abuse.
Addressing this critical issue requires a multi-pronged approach, including strengthening peer education programs, enhancing community-based interventions, and addressing the underlying social and economic factors that may contribute to drug use among young people.
