4.7 million Kenyans Using Drugs, Coast Region Worst Affected – NACADA Survey
Nearly one in every three people in the Coast region uses at least one drug or substance of abuse
At least 4.7 million Kenyans aged between 15 and 65 are currently using at least one drug or psychoactive substance, with the Coast region recording the highest prevalence in the country, according to new data released by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA).
The survey shows that nearly one in every three people in the Coast region uses at least one drug or substance of abuse, underscoring the scale of the country's growing drug problem.
The findings were released on Thursday, June 25, during the commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADA) at the Miritini Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre in Mombasa County.
According to the latest national survey, one in every six Kenyans aged between 15 and 65 years is currently using drugs or other psychoactive substances.
The Coast region recorded the highest prevalence at 29.3 per cent, with Mombasa County registering an even higher rate of 34.4 per cent.
Speaking during the event, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo described the findings as a growing national concern that requires a comprehensive and coordinated response.
"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.
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Dr Omollo said the government is pursuing a comprehensive strategy that combines law enforcement with prevention, early intervention, treatment, rehabilitation and the reintegration of recovering addicts into society.
"While enforcement remains critical, it is only one part of the solution. Sustainable success can only be achieved through a balanced and comprehensive approach that prioritises prevention, early intervention, treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration," he added.
NACADA Board Chairman Bishop Dr Stephen Mairori said the authority is embracing technology and data-driven approaches to stay ahead of emerging drug trends. He noted that wastewater analysis is now being used to monitor patterns of drug consumption in near real time, enabling faster and more targeted interventions.
"If the drug problem is changing, our responses must change with it," he said.
Government officials also called for greater collaboration among families, schools, religious institutions, community leaders and the private sector, saying the fight against drug abuse cannot be won by security agencies alone.
The commemoration, held under the global theme, "World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses," called for renewed commitment to strengthen evidence-based interventions and protect young people from drug addiction.
