Drug and substance abuse among the youth in Kenya has reached deeply concerning levels, prompting urgent action from health authorities. New findings indicate that one in every eleven young people aged between 15 and 24 is currently using at least one form of addictive substance, raising fears of a growing public health crisis.
A recent government-led survey conducted between November 2024 and February 2025 has identified ten counties where youth drug abuse is particularly rampant. These high-risk counties are Garissa, Kakamega, Kericho, Kisumu, Laikipia, Machakos, Meru, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Uasin Gishu. These regions are now at the forefront of a targeted government campaign aimed at curbing substance use before it spirals further out of control.
Authorities have warned that the situation is rapidly deteriorating and that urgent interventions are necessary to reverse the trend. The growing interest in substances among young people is alarming, not only because of the immediate health risks but also due to the long-term implications for Kenya’s social and economic future.
Alcohol, miraa (khat), tobacco, cannabis, and prescription painkillers have been singled out as the most abused substances among the youth. Easy accessibility, peer pressure, boredom, and a lack of awareness about the dangers of drug use have been cited as contributing factors. The problem is compounded by the glamorization of substance use on social media and in some peer circles, which misleads youth into viewing drugs as a lifestyle rather than a harmful addiction.
The situation is not limited to adolescents. Data shows that approximately 1.5 million young adults between the ages of 25 and 35 are also struggling with substance abuse. This demographic includes a significant portion of Kenya’s working population, and the effects are being felt in workplaces where decreased productivity, absenteeism, and health issues are becoming more prevalent.
Health experts warn that if the crisis is not addressed comprehensively, it could lead to long-term social consequences including increased crime, mental health issues, broken families, and a declining national workforce. These developments could ultimately hinder the country’s development goals and strain public resources.
In response to these growing concerns, the Ministry of Health is preparing to launch a nationwide anti-drug abuse campaign. This initiative will begin in the ten high-risk counties and is expected to expand over time. The campaign will include public education on the dangers of drug use, promotion of healthy lifestyles, community-based outreach, and support for rehabilitation and reintegration programs.
Special attention will be directed at students in institutions of higher learning, who are considered particularly vulnerable, especially during long academic breaks. Authorities have urged students to make productive use of their free time and avoid environments that encourage drug use.
The nationwide initiative will also involve collaboration with schools, religious organizations, community leaders, and families. The goal is to create a multi-sectoral approach that not only prevents drug use but also supports recovery and social reintegration for those already affected.
By targeting awareness, prevention, and rehabilitation, the government aims to protect Kenya’s youth and secure the country’s future against the devastating impact of drug abuse.
