4.7 million Kenyans use drugs as gov't steps up crackdown

The alarming figures were revealed on Thursday during Kenya's commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADA) at the Miritini Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre in Mombasa County.

According to the latest National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) national survey, one in every six Kenyans within the age bracket uses drugs or other psychoactive substances. The Coast region remains the country's most affected area, with 29.3 per cent of residents using at least one substance, while Mombasa County recorded the highest prevalence at 34.4 per cent.

Speaking during the event, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr. Raymond Omollo said the statistics represent a growing public health and security challenge that demands a comprehensive national response.

"These are not just statistics. They represent our children, our brothers and sisters, our colleagues, and our future workforce. Behind every number is a life that can either be lost to addiction or restored through timely intervention and support," he said.

Dr. Omollo said the government is shifting towards a balanced strategy that combines law enforcement with prevention, early intervention, treatment, rehabilitation and the reintegration of recovering addicts into society.

"While enforcement remains critical, it is only one part of the solution. Sustainable success can only be achieved through a balanced and comprehensive approach that prioritizes prevention, early intervention, treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration," he added.

The renewed anti-drug campaign comes days after security agencies intercepted 1,024 kilograms of 98 per cent pure crystal methamphetamine valued at approximately KSh8.2 billion in the Indian Ocean, one of the country's largest drug seizures in recent years.

The government said the seizure demonstrates its resolve to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating within and beyond Kenya's borders.

"Our message is clear. We will continue to strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance inter-agency cooperation, and pursue traffickers relentlessly wherever they operate," Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said in remarks cited during the event.

NACADA Board Chairman Bishop Dr. Stephen Mairori said the authority is embracing technology and data-driven approaches to stay ahead of emerging drug trends. He noted that wastewater analysis is now being used to monitor patterns of drug consumption in near real-time, enabling quicker and more targeted interventions.

"If the drug problem is changing, our responses must change with it," he said.

The agency also recognized young people as key partners in the fight against substance abuse through a National Essay Writing Competition for secondary school students. Omar Mohamed of Kongowea Secondary School emerged as the Mombasa County winner for his essay on parental and community responsibility in protecting learners from drugs.

Government officials called for greater collaboration among families, schools, religious institutions, community leaders and the private sector, saying the fight against drug abuse cannot be won by security agencies alone.

The commemoration, held under the global theme, "World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses," ended with a renewed commitment to strengthen evidence-based interventions and protect young people from drug addiction.

Officials maintained that reducing substance abuse is critical to safeguarding Kenya's social and economic future, with every successful recovery contributing to a healthier and more productive nation.