A 2019 survey conducted by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) found that 17% of primary school pupils in Kenya use drugs or substances, with children as young as four involved in abuse, according to findings released Wednesday.
The study, titled Status of Drugs and Substance Abuse Among Primary School Pupils in Kenya, 2019, analyzed data from 3,307 students across 177 schools in 25 counties. It identified prescription drugs as the most common substance, with 7.2% of pupils reporting current use, followed by tobacco (3.2%), alcohol (2.6%), and miraa/muguka (2.3%).
Key risk factors included proximity to drug sources such as kiosks, bars, and friends, as well as family exposure. Students from households where parents used substances were more likely to abuse drugs, as were those who accompanied guardians to events involving alcohol or drugs.
NACADA recommended stricter enforcement of regulations, including banning alcohol sales within 300 meters of schools and restricting kiosk operations near school premises. The Interior Ministry also issued directives to regional coordinators to crack down on underage drinking and drug-related activities near educational institutions.
The agency plans to expand its research to higher education institutions, while officials urged parents and school leaders to collaborate on prevention efforts.
