A new report by the National Authority for Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NACADA) has shown a worrying trend of drug and substance abuse among Kenyan university students with nearly half (45%) admitting to have used at least one drug or intoxicant.
The report released on Thursday, February 2025 paints a gloomy picture of university life where drugs especially alcohol, cannabis and tobacco are abundant leading to widespread addiction, depression and academic decline.
NACADA Report Findings
Drug Use Among University Students
- 40% of students (200,000 out of 500,000) are addicted to alcohol or other drugs.
- 1 in every 12 students is battling severe addiction.
- 26% of university students are currently using at least one drug or substance.
Alcohol and Tobacco
- 87% of students say alcohol is the most accessible substance.
- 8.7% have severe alcohol use disorders (addiction)—1 in 10 males and 1 in 15 females.
- 20% of students have used khat (miraa) or tobacco at least once.
- 14% have smoked cigarettes, 10% have used shisha, 8% have tried e-cigarettes.
Cannabis and Hard Drugs on the Rise
- 18% of students have used cannabis, making it the most abused illegal drug.
- 1 in 7 students has smoked cannabis, while 11% have taken edibles.
- Prescription drug abuse, including meth, codeine syrup and ketamine is growing.
- New synthetic drugs are entering university spaces through online sales and social media platforms.
Depression and Mental Health Crisis
- 1 in 17 students has a moderately severe depressive disorder.
- 3.5% suffer from severe depression, with female students more affected than males.
Sources of Drugs and Alcohol in Universities
On-Campus and Surrounding Areas
- Students can easily get drugs from university canteens, bars and clubs near campuses.* Some lecturers and support staff are allegedly selling drugs.
- Students themselves are suppliers of drugs, creating a continuous supply chain.
Family and Friends
- Shockingly, some parents unknowingly allow their children to access drugs.
- Many students get their first drug experience from friends and peer pressure.
Online Platforms
- The rise of e-commerce and dark web drug markets has made it easier for students to purchase narcotics discreetly.
Government Response and Solutions
Tighter Control on Alcohol Near Universities
- Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has proposed banning cheap alcohol sales near educational institutions.
University Reforms on Student Accommodation
- NACADA recommends mandatory on-campus accommodation for all students.
- If not available, students should stay in government-accredited hostels to curb drug access.
Stronger Law Enforcement
- Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has announced an anti-narcotics crackdown similar to anti-terror operations.
- The government will punish politicians who supply drugs to youth for political mobilization.
More Mental Health Support for Students
- Universities are urged to increase counseling services to help students struggling with addiction and depression.