NACADA Survey: Nearly 4.7 Million Kenyans Using Drugs and Other Substances
Kenya has recorded nearly 4.7 million people aged between 15 and 65 using at least one drug or substance of abuse, according to a new survey by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA).
The findings were released during the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking commemorations at the Miritini Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre in Mombasa. The survey found that one in six Kenyans within the age group uses drugs or other substances of abuse, with the Coast region recording the highest prevalence.
Mombasa County registered a rate of 34.4 per cent, reflecting the area’s continued exposure to drug trafficking and widespread substance use. The event was held under the theme “World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses”.
Government officials, rehabilitation specialists and community leaders called for stronger cooperation to address the growing challenge. Principal Secretary for Internal Security Raymond Omollo said the figures represented people whose lives had been affected and called for greater focus on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration.
He said those affected included children, families, colleagues and the country’s future workforce. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government would continue intensifying its efforts against drug traffickers.
He cited the recent seizure of more than one tonne of crystal methamphetamine valued at Sh8.2 billion in the Indian Ocean as evidence of increased enforcement. However, officials agreed that law enforcement alone would not solve the problem.
NACADA Chairman Bishop Stephen Mairori announced that the agency would introduce wastewater analysis technology to monitor drug consumption trends in near real time. He said the new approach would provide better data to guide prevention and response measures as patterns of drug use continue to change.
The event also focused on involving young people in prevention efforts through initiatives such as a national essay-writing competition. Omar Mohamed of Kongowea Secondary School was among the students recognised for an essay highlighting the importance of parents and communities in preventing drug abuse.
The survey indicates that drug abuse affects millions of people across the country and is not limited to a few regions or communities. Officials said addressing the problem will require coordinated action involving families, schools, religious organisations, the private sector and government institutions.
They said sustained investment in prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, alongside continued enforcement, will be necessary to reduce drug abuse and protect public health, social stability and the country’s future workforce.
