Drug Abuse Crisis: Over 1.5 Million Kenyan Youths Affected as Bhang Use Surges

Kenya is facing a growing youth drug abuse crisis, with more than 1.5 million young people reported to be struggling with substance use disorders. This worrying trend has been highlighted in recent research pointing to increased consumption of marijuana (bhang), especially in urban and coastal regions.

According to data shared by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), bhang usage has sharply risen, with Nairobi, Nyanza, and Coast regions recording the highest prevalence. Nairobi leads with the most reported cases, followed by Nyanza and the Coast, where access to the substance remains widespread.

Experts note that the average age at which youths begin experimenting with drugs is between 16 and 20 years. Alarmingly, reports have also emerged of children as young as six being introduced to harmful substances, especially tobacco, raising serious concerns among health and education stakeholders.

The surge in drug abuse is attributed to various factors, including peer pressure, unemployment, lack of awareness, and easy availability of narcotics in certain areas. Bhang remains one of the most commonly abused drugs after alcohol, tobacco, and miraa (khat).

Authorities are calling for urgent, coordinated efforts to address the crisis. These include strengthening school-based awareness programs, enhancing community rehabilitation initiatives, and enforcing stricter control of drug distribution channels. As the country grapples with this growing issue, many agree that timely intervention is key to protecting Kenya’s future generations.