The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has raised alarm over the growing connection between youth-led protests and drug use in Kenya. A new report titled Status of Drugs and Substance Use Among University Students in Kenya reveals that protests have inadvertently exposed many young people to drug abuse, particularly cannabis and synthetic drugs.
During the report’s launch, NACADA CEO Anthony Omerikwa highlighted a troubling trend: young protesters were introduced to drugs under the false belief that substances like cannabis could reduce the effects of tear gas. Many admitted that they first experimented with drugs during demonstrations.
“Some of the young people who were in the protests became unexpected inductees into the space of drug use. They were deceived into believing that if they smoked bhang, the effects of tear gas would diminish to near zero,” Omerikwa explained.
He further warned that drug dealers have been exploiting such situations, using protests as a platform to lure young people into addiction. “Unscrupulous merchants of drugs look for every opportunity to entice and get our youth into addiction,” he cautioned.
In addition to cannabis, the report highlighted the increasing use of synthetic drugs among university students. These substances, which are often chemically altered versions of controlled drugs, pose a significant challenge to law enforcement.
Omerikwa described synthetic drugs as “invisible enemies” due to their ability to evade detection. “You don’t see it coming; but when you realize it’s around, it’s already too late,” he warned.
The report indicated that synthetic drug use is rising, with students accessing them through illicit networks both online and in urban centers. The accessibility of their chemical precursors, which are often legal, makes regulation and control difficult.
The study, conducted in partnership with 17 universities and covering over 15,000 students across Kenya’s eight administrative regions, revealed alarming statistics. Approximately 70% of individuals apprehended for drug possession or use were university students.
The findings underscore the urgent need for intervention, as drug abuse is no longer confined to universities alone. Omerikwa stressed that the crisis extends beyond higher education institutions and is now a nationwide concern.
Government and NACADA’s Response
In response to these findings, NACADA has committed to strengthening drug prevention strategies. The agency plans to use the study’s data to:
- Enhance Awareness Campaigns: Educating young people on the dangers of drug use, particularly during protests.
- Promote Positive Parenting: Encouraging parents to play an active role in their children’s lives to prevent exposure to drug abuse.
- Collaborate with Law Enforcement: Working with authorities to dismantle drug supply networks and restrict access to illicit substances.
- Improve Rehabilitation Services: Providing more resources for students struggling with addiction.
The NACADA report paints a grim picture of how youth-led protests have unintentionally fueled drug use in Kenya. With drug dealers taking advantage of political unrest, many young people are being drawn into substance abuse, leading to long-term consequences. The rising prevalence of synthetic drugs further complicates the fight against addiction.
To curb the crisis, NACADA and other stakeholders must intensify efforts to raise awareness, strengthen law enforcement, and provide support to affected youth. Addressing the root causes of both protests and drug use is essential in safeguarding Kenya’s future generations from the devastating impact of substance abuse.
