Alarming Rise in Drug Abuse Among Kenyan University Students: NACADA Report

A recent report from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has revealed a concerning increase in drug and substance abuse among university students in Kenya. The 2024 Status of Drug and Substance Use in Kenyan Universities report highlights that nearly half (45.6%) of students have experimented with at least one drug or substance in their lifetime.

Currently, 26.6% of university students actively use substances, including alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and khat. Alarmingly, there has been a rise in the consumption of newer drugs such as methamphetamine and codeine syrup. Alcohol remains the most widely consumed substance, with 87.3% of students reporting easy access, while 18.6% admitted to drinking within the past month.

Other commonly used substances include cigarettes (64.4%), shisha (41.2%), and vape or e-cigarettes (31.0%). The report further identifies friends as the primary source of drugs for 66.4% of students, followed by canteens and bars (59.3%) and fellow students (56.0%). Additionally, online drug purchases have become a significant concern, with 39.4% of students acquiring substances through websites or social media platforms.

NACADA warns that this trend poses serious health risks, including addiction and deteriorating mental health among students. The agency calls for immediate intervention, urging universities, parents, and policymakers to strengthen awareness campaigns and implement stricter regulations to curb drug abuse on campuses.