The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has introduced an evidence-based approach to address escalating drug use in Kenya, particularly amid pandemic-related challenges.
Pandemic-Driven Escalation ¶
Prof. Mabel Imbuga, NACADA board chairperson, highlighted how the COVID-19 crisis has exacerbated substance abuse trends. She noted increased home-based drug use, violations of public health guidelines in bars, and a surge in online drug sales exposing youth to greater risks.
New Prevention Framework ¶
The authority launched updated national standards to guide alcohol and drug prevention efforts. These focus on family, workplace, and community engagement, including training programs to strengthen parenting skills and youth social development.
Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Karanja Kibicho emphasized the need for coordinated action, urging county governments to prioritize enforcement and prevention under constitutional mandates.
Alarming Statistics ¶
NACADA's 2017 survey revealed 12.2% of Kenyans aged 15–65 were active alcohol users, while a 2016 school study found 23.4% of secondary students had used alcohol. A 2019 survey of primary pupils showed 20.2% had experimented with drugs, with initiation as early as age four.
Global data from the UNODC's 2020 report indicates 269 million people worldwide have used drugs, with 35.6 million suffering from use disorders—a rise from 210 million in 2009.
