Bhang Consumption In Kenya Has Increased By 90% In The Past 5 Years, Survey Shows

A new survey by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has found that the number of Kenyans consuming bhang has increased by 90% in the past 5 years.

The survey, which was conducted in 2022, found that an estimated 518,807 Kenyans aged 15-65 years are currently using bhang. This is equivalent to one in every 53 Kenyans in this age group.

The survey also found that the highest consumption of bhang is in Nairobi, where 6.3% of the population aged 15-65 years are using the drug. Nyanza and Coast are the other two regions with high rates of bhang consumption, with 2.4% and 1.9% of the population using the drug, respectively.

The survey also found that the most common age group for bhang use is 15-24 years, with 2.7% of this age group using the drug. The second most common age group is 25-35 years, with 2.1% of this age group using bhang.

The survey’s findings are concerning, as bhang is a psychoactive drug that can have harmful effects on the user’s health and well-being. Bhang can also lead to addiction, which can be difficult to overcome.

The NACADA survey also found that tobacco is the most abused drug in Kenya, followed by alcohol and miraa. Bhang was ranked fourth on the list of most abused drugs.

The survey’s findings highlight the need for increased awareness about the dangers of bhang and other drugs. It is also important to provide treatment and support services for people who are struggling with addiction.

The NACADA survey is a valuable resource for understanding the trends in drug use in Kenya. The findings of the survey can be used to develop and implement effective prevention and treatment programs.