A report by the National Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NACADA) reveals increasing drug experimentation among Kenyan students aged 11 to 15, with teachers identified as key facilitators in drug distribution.
The study found that 7.2% of students currently use prescription drugs, while 3.2% use tobacco, 2.6% consume alcohol, 2.3% use miraa/muguka, 1.2% use inhalants, and 1.2% use heroin. The report notes distinct age patterns for substance initiation, including prescription drugs and inhalants at 13 years, alcohol, miraa, tobacco, and heroin at 14 years, cocaine at 14.5 years, and bhang at 15 years.
Geographically, the Lower Eastern, Central, and Eastern regions show higher prevalence rates. Data indicates 60% of affected students are male and 40% are female. The report attributes this trend to both peer influence and systemic vulnerabilities in school environments.
In response, the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Security, alongside the Ministry of Education, has proposed restrictions on commercial activities within 300 meters of schools. The measures aim to reduce accessibility to substances and reinforce institutional safeguards against drug proliferation.
