By Lenah Bosibori
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has raised alarm over the growing drug abuse menace in Kenyan universities, revealing a prevalence rate of 18.6%.
A recent study conducted across 18 public and private universities in Kenya and released on Thursday in Nairobi revealed that 8.5 % of university students require rehabilitation.
Speaking during the release of the report, Dr Anthony Omerikwa NACADA CEO stressed that drug abuse is not just a campus issue but a national crisis that demands urgent and collective action.
The study, titled “Status of Drugs and Substance Abuse Among University Students in Kenya, 2024,” surveyed over 15,000 students across eight administrative regions in Kenya.
Most Abused Substances
The study found that alcohol is the most accessible and commonly abused substance among university students, with a staggering 87.3% availability rate. Other substances include cigarettes at 64.4%, Shisha at 41.2%, Vape/e-cigarettes at 31.0%, Nicotine pouches at 30.7%, Kuber – 23.0% and Snuff/chewed tobacco at 22.1%.
Further, almost half of university students have used at least one drug or substance in their lifetime, with the most commonly abused being: Alcohol at 40.5%, Tobacco products (cigarettes, shisha) at 13.4%, Miraa/Muguka at 20.1% and Cannabis as the most abused narcotic drug.
Sources of Drugs in Universities
The report identifies the main sources of drugs as: Friends at 66.4%, bars/canteens near universities at 59.3%, fellow students at 56.0%, online purchases (social media/websites) – 39.4%, bars/canteens within universities at 28.0%, non-teaching staff at 11.4% and Lecturers/teaching staff at 7.0%
The study found that drug abuse is more prevalent in private universities than in public ones. Higher risks were recorded among: Third-year and above students, students living off-campus and self-sponsored students. Alarmingly, the report also reveals a rising trend among female students.
Consequences of Drug Abuse Among University Students
The study highlights several key factors contributing to drug abuse, including: Influence from peers, romantic partners, or role models, inability to cope with stress and trauma, exposure to childhood domestic violence or gender-based violence, lack of involvement in religious or mentorship groups and participation in gambling and betting.
Additionally, drug abuse has led to: Missed examinations and continuous assessment tests (CATs), frequent absenteeism from classes and lectures, increased disciplinary cases with lecturers and institutions.
Staff Involvement
The study raises serious concerns over some lecturers intentionally luring students into alcohol consumption by inviting them to social outings where alcohol is provided. This practice has particularly affected young, female students.
“It is true that lecturers intentionally invite students to go out and buy alcohol intentionally, many young students and especially female students become victims of the same,” said Kipchumba Murkomen, the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Interior and national Administration.
Furthermore, bars and clubs operating near university premises continue to thrive. Operators justify their presence by arguing that their customers are legally adults, making regulation difficult.
Among the key policy proposals is the extension of the 300-meter rule, which currently restricts alcohol sales near schools, to also apply to universities and tertiary institutions.
Government Response and Recommendations
In response to these findings, Murkomen also proposed deploying National Intelligence Service (NIS) officers to monitor universities and combat drug abuse. “Why don’t we have intelligence officers working within universities to monitor and deal with drug abuse?” he questioned.
Additionally, the government aims to enhance the capacity of the Anti-Narcotics Unit to match the efficiency of the Anti-Terror Police Unit.
NACADA plans to use the findings to: Design targeted drug prevention programs, enhance public awareness, promote positive parenting, strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration and advocate for policy and legal reforms.
Key Recommendations
Among the key recommendations includes; strengthening mentorship programs to guide students, increasing parental involvement in drug prevention efforts, expanding institutional guidance and counseling services and providing affordable rehabilitation programs for affected students.
NACADA and other stakeholders emphasize the urgency of addressing this crisis before it escalates further, warning that drug abuse in universities is not just a student issue but a national threat.