Executive Summary
A groundbreaking study released by Kenya’s National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) in February 2025 has revealed concerning trends in substance abuse use among university students across the country. The comprehensive research, surveying 15,678 students from both public and private institutions, paints a sobering picture of the current state of drug and alcohol consumption in Kenya’s higher education sector.
Key Findings: The Numbers Tell a Story
Alcohol Dominates Student Substance Use
According to NACADA’s latest findings, 87.3% of university students report alcohol consumption, making it the most commonly used substance among Kenya’s higher education population. This statistic represents a significant public health concern, indicating that nearly 9 out of every 10 university students engage in alcohol consumption.
Tobacco and Alternative Substances Follow Close Behind
The study reveals a disturbing pattern of substance use beyond alcohol:
- 64.4% of students use cigarettes
- 41.2% engage in shisha smoking
- 31% use vapes
- 30.7% consume nicotine pouches
- 23% use kuber
- 22.1% engage with snuff or chewed tobacco
The Social Network of Substance Distribution
Perhaps most concerning is the revelation that 66.4% of students obtain drugs and substances from friends, highlighting how peer networks facilitate substance abuse. Additional sources include:
- Neighborhood canteens and bars (59.3%)
- Fellow students (56%)
- Even academic staff, with lecturers cited as sources by 39.4% of students
- Online platforms and institutional facilities (39.4% each)
Recent Use Patterns: A Monthly Snapshot
The study’s examination of recent substance use reveals immediate concerns:
- 1 in 5 students (20%) consumed alcohol in the past month
- 1 in 8 students used tobacco products recently
- Regular use of harder substances including cannabis, with 1 in 9 students reporting recent use
Hard Substances: A Growing Concern
The research identified alarming usage rates for more dangerous substances:
- 1 in 24 students use inhalants
- 1 in 63 students use cocaine
- 1 in 59 students use heroin
Demographic Insights and Implications
The study sample of 15,678 students achieved an impressive 99.7% response rate, with 61.5% from public universities and 38.5% from private institutions. The gender distribution showed 54.2% male and 45.2% female respondents, providing valuable insights into substance use patterns across different demographics.
The Broader Context: Kenya’s Response to Substance Abuse
Gender-Sensitive Policy Approaches
NACADA’s participation in the 2025 Commission on Narcotic Drugs demonstrates Kenya’s commitment to inclusive drug policies. As highlighted by NACADA Board Chair Dr. Stephen Mairori, “While men are more likely to use drugs, the impact on women is often greater due to biological, social, and economic factors.”
Community-Centered Prevention Strategies
The authority has intensified grassroots engagement through:
- Sports competitions providing healthy alternatives
- Public forums for community dialogue
- Faith-based organization partnerships
- School sensitization programs
- Training for community leaders
Risk Factors and Environmental Influences
The Nightlife Economy Connection
Kenya’s thriving nightlife sector, while economically beneficial, presents significant risks for substance abuse among young people. The combination of easy alcohol access, normalized recreational drug use, and peer pressure creates what experts term “the perfect storm for addiction.”
University Environment Vulnerabilities
The study highlights how the university environment, with its social pressures and newfound freedom, can facilitate substance experimentation that often progresses to dependency.
Implications for Treatment and Recovery
The Need for Specialized Intervention
The high prevalence rates identified in NACADA’s study underscore the urgent need for targeted intervention programs specifically designed for young adults and university students. Traditional approaches may require adaptation to address the unique challenges faced by this demographic.
Prevention vs. Treatment Economics
Early intervention and prevention programs prove more cost-effective than long-term addiction treatment. However, for those already struggling with substance dependency, immediate access to professional rehabilitation services becomes critical.
Recommendations for Action
For Educational Institutions
- Implement comprehensive substance abuse education programs
- Establish on-campus counseling and support services
- Create substance-free social activities and environments
- Develop peer support networks and mentorship programs
For Healthcare Providers and Rehabilitation Centers
The study’s findings create a clear business case for specialized addiction treatment services targeting young adults. The data suggests significant demand for:
- Outpatient programs suitable for students maintaining academic commitments
- Family-inclusive treatment approaches addressing the social network aspects of substance use
- Dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions
- Relapse prevention programs tailored to university environments
For Families and Communities
- Increase awareness of substance use risks in university settings
- Foster open communication about substance use and addiction
- Support evidence-based prevention initiatives
- Reduce stigma surrounding addiction treatment
The Path Forward: Professional Treatment Solutions
Given the scope and severity of substance use among university students revealed in NACADA’s study, the need for professional intervention becomes clear. Quality rehabilitation centers offering comprehensive services including detoxification, counseling, and long-term recovery support play a crucial role in addressing this public health challenge.
For students and families recognizing signs of substance dependency, seeking professional help early can prevent the progression from experimentation to addiction. Evidence-based treatment approaches, combined with ongoing support systems, offer the best outcomes for recovery and long-term sobriety.
Conclusion
NACADA’s 2025 study serves as a wake-up call for Kenya’s approach to substance abuse among university students. The high prevalence rates across multiple substances, combined with the social networks facilitating access, demand immediate and comprehensive response strategies.
While prevention remains the most effective approach, the current reality requires robust treatment infrastructure to support those already struggling with substance dependency. The integration of community-based prevention efforts with professional treatment services offers the most promising path toward addressing this significant public health challenge.
This analysis is based on data from the NACADA Quarterly Publication (Edition No. 20, January-March 2025) published by Kenya’s National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse. For more information about NACADA’s work and initiatives, visit their official website.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, professional help is available. Contact Macvey Rehabilitation Center for confidential consultations and evidence-based treatment options.