Drugs and drug abuse are increasing to become a big problem in Kenya. Effects of drug weigh heavily on many young people who consume various forms of drugs and alcohol without knowing their detrimental effects. Recent studies show that most school youth take drugs particularly alcohol and tobacco.

Even with NACADA National Campaign Against Drug Abuse in place in Kenya, it is still important that Kenya remains steadfast. Where promotion of drug related advertisements are still not banned, people smoke in public places and risk the lives of million other citizens. Throughout history particular social groups have used alcohol, Tobacco, cannabis, opium and/or cocaine as part of their daily lives and traditional ceremonies. Impact of globalisation, migration of young people from rural to urban centres breakdown in traditional moves and realisation that big and quick money can be made from drug havens in recent past, led to increase use of drugs amongst poor and marginalized youth in Kenya

In the midst of poverty, unemployment & HIV/AID prevalence, conflict and wars, evidence has shown that drugs and alcohol have become a part of everyday life of many young people.In recent times, Kenya has become transit country for cocaine/heroine and huge haul of substance have been captured and destroyed along the coastal part of Kenya. Even with huge custodial sentences, the trade in this substance is on the rise.Use of drugs has received little attention in developing world. In resource poor countries like Kenya, it can seem a luxury to tackle treatment of drug dependency, often regarded as a moral issue, affecting a few and socially deviant rather than public issue with social consequences.


Drug and alcohol however contribute to poverty, low productivity increased HIV/AIDS transmission, an increase in crime and lack of care and protection for children and young people.


Do you members of TIG have better mechanisms of dealing with these drug problems? What can we share about them?

Mark Okowa
Project Officer
Environment Liaison centre International ELCI
Kisumu-Kenya