Kenya rallies against drug abuse as 4.7 million citizens affected

Kenya renewed its commitment to combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking, with senior government officials calling for a united national response as the country marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADA) at the Miritini Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre in Mombasa County.

The event, held under the global theme “World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” brought together government leaders, anti-drug agencies, recovery advocates, and community representatives to highlight the growing threat posed by substance abuse.

The latest National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) survey paints a troubling picture, showing that about 4.7 million Kenyans aged between 15 and 65 years—roughly one in every six people—are using at least one drug or substance of abuse.

The Coast Region continues to bear the highest burden, with 29.3 percent of residents reported to be using at least one substance. Mombasa County records the country’s highest prevalence at 34.4 percent.

Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the crisis through a comprehensive strategy that balances law enforcement with prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration.

“While enforcement remains critical, it is only one part of the solution,” Dr. Omollo said.

“Sustainable success can only be achieved through a balanced and comprehensive approach that prioritizes prevention, early intervention, treatment, rehabilitation, and social reintegration.”

He emphasized that the figures represent real lives affected by addiction.

“These are not just statistics. They represent our children, our brothers and sisters, our colleagues, and our future workforce. Behind every number is a life that can either be lost to addiction or restored through timely intervention and support,” he said.

The government’s determination to dismantle drug trafficking networks was underscored by the recent seizure of 1,024 kilograms of 98 percent pure crystal methamphetamine, valued at approximately Sh8.2 billion, intercepted in the Indian Ocean.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government would continue pursuing traffickers through enhanced intelligence gathering and closer collaboration among security agencies.

“Our message is clear. We will continue to strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance inter-agency cooperation, and pursue traffickers relentlessly wherever they operate,” Murkomen said.

NACADA Board Chairman Bishop Dr. Stephen Mairori highlighted the Authority’s adoption of innovative approaches, including wastewater analysis, to monitor drug consumption patterns in near real-time.

“If the drug problem is changing, our responses must change with it,” he said, stressing the importance of evidence-based interventions.

The commemoration also recognized young people as key partners in the fight against substance abuse. Through a National Essay Writing Competition for secondary school students, NACADA sought to amplify youth voices on prevention.

Mombasa County winner Omar Mohamed of Kongowea Secondary School was honoured for his essay titled “Parental and Community Responsibility in Protecting Learners from Drugs.”

Speakers at the event agreed that government action alone would not be enough to reverse the growing crisis, calling on parents, teachers, religious leaders, civil society, and the private sector to play an active role in prevention and rehabilitation.

Dr. Omollo urged Kenyans to embrace a whole-of-society approach, saying collective action was essential to safeguarding the country’s future.

As Kenya joins the international community in observing IDADA, leaders expressed optimism that innovative strategies, stronger partnerships, and sustained public awareness would help reduce drug abuse and protect the nation’s youth.

“Every life saved from addiction strengthens our nation,” Murkomen said.

“Together, we can build a Kenya where our young people are healthy, productive, and empowered to contribute to national development.”