A quiet crisis is growing across Kenya, and it’s one that doesn’t respect age, class, or region. The Ministry of Health has issued a stark warning about increasing drug use among the country’s youth — particularly those aged between 15 and 24.
According to a government survey conducted between November 2024 and February 2025, one in every eleven young people is currently abusing drugs or other substances. The findings have alarmed health officials, prompting plans for a large-scale awareness campaign.
“This is not just a statistic,” said Mary Muthoni, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards. “This is our future generation. We cannot afford to ignore what is happening.”
Ten Counties on the Radar
The survey, commissioned by the Ministry, singled out ten counties where the situation is especially worrying: Garissa, Kakamega, Kericho, Kisumu, Laikipia, Machakos, Meru, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Uasin Gishu.
In these regions, young people are increasingly turning to alcohol, khat (miraa), tobacco, cannabis, and in some cases, prescription drugs.
Muthoni warned that if nothing is done, the consequences could be dire — not only for individuals, but for the country’s broader social and economic fabric.
“We are seeing more young Kenyans, especially in these high-risk counties, slip into drug use,” she said. “And that use is often starting earlier, in teenage years. It’s stealing potential and destroying families.”
A Generation at Risk
The issue doesn’t stop with teenagers. Young working adults between 25 and 35 are also affected — an estimated 1.5 million Kenyans. This age group is supposed to be at the peak of their productivity, but drug use is undermining that, Muthoni noted.
“There’s growing concern in workplaces, too,” she said. “We’ve had feedback from employers worried about absenteeism, low output, and even safety issues tied to drug use.”
Prescription Drugs in the Mix
Worryingly, health officials say prescription medication is now part of the mix. Painkillers, antidepressants, and anxiety drugs are being taken without prescriptions — often obtained informally or stolen from home medicine cabinets.
Dr. Rachel Nyamai, a consultant psychiatrist based in Nairobi, says the misuse of prescription drugs is becoming harder to track and far more dangerous.
“These substances don’t carry the same stigma as traditional drugs,” Dr. Nyamai said in a phone interview. “But they can be just as addictive, and the damage to the brain and body can be severe — especially in younger users.”
Holidays and High-Risk Periods
The Ministry is also warning students in universities and colleges — particularly those on long holidays — to be cautious. Unstructured time, peer pressure, and easy access to substances can be a toxic mix.
“This is when we see spikes,” said Muthoni. “We’re urging parents and institutions to stay alert and involved.”
National Campaign Incoming
In response, the government is preparing to launch a nationwide public awareness campaign, starting with the ten identified counties.
The initiative will focus on education, early intervention, and rehabilitation. It aims to involve schools, religious groups, community leaders, and families.
“Rehabilitation should not be seen as a punishment,” said Muthoni. “It’s a second chance — and we must give our youth that opportunity.”
The Ministry plans to use both traditional media and digital platforms, hoping to meet young people where they are. Short videos, testimonials, radio dramas, and community forums are all on the table.
A Social, Not Just Medical Issue
Experts stress that addressing drug abuse is not only a public health matter — it’s a social one too.
“Unemployment, hopelessness, and peer influence are big drivers,” said Sheila Mutheu, a youth outreach coordinator at a Nairobi-based rehabilitation centre. “You can’t just tell young people to stop — you have to give them alternatives. Jobs. Mentorship. A reason to believe.”
Mutheu, who herself recovered from substance abuse five years ago, says the stigma around addiction often prevents people from seeking help.
“We must treat drug abuse as a disease, not a moral failure,” she said. “If we shame young people, we lose them.”
Looking Ahead
While the Ministry’s upcoming campaign is a step in the right direction, stakeholders agree that more needs to be done — and fast.
This includes better regulation of pharmacies, stricter border controls for illicit substances, and more government funding for rehabilitation centres, particularly in underserved counties.
The Ministry has said it will also work closely with the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) to enforce policy changes.
As Kenya grapples with this growing challenge, the message from the Ministry is clear: the country cannot afford to lose its youth.
“We must act now,” Muthoni said. “This is a national emergency hiding in plain sight.”
