Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni. Photo | courtesy.
The Ministry of Health has expressed concerns over the growing abuse of drugs and substances amongst the youth as a recent report indicates 1 in every 11 young people, aged between 15 and 24 are using a substance.
Consequently, a survey done by MOH between November 2024 and February 2025, has put 10 counties at a higher risk for the youth involvement in drugs and substances, sometimes prescription medication.
The affected counties are; Garissa, Kakamega, Kericho, Kisumu, Laikipia, Machakos, Meru, Mombasa, Nakuru and Uasin Gishu.
According to Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, there is a rising interest in drug and substance abuse which is a troubling trend that must be urgently addressed.
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The statistics show, alcohol, miraa, tobacco, cannabis and prescription drugs, in that order, are the highly abused amongst the youth.
The young working class, aged between 25 and 35 about 1.5 million Kenyans are affected and there are fears these numbers could go up. This concern is fuelled by the fact that they are in their productive ages but the indulgence in drugs is gravely affecting their production at work
Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has emphasized the urgent need for intervention. The Ministry of Health is preparing to launch a nationwide campaign, starting in the 10 counties at a higher risk. The Ministry will be sensitizing the youth on the dangers while also encouraging rehabilitation to curb the menace that if unchecked, would spiral into a national disaster.
Additionally, the Ministry is also urging youth in institutions of higher learning, especially now that some are on a long holiday, to refrain from drug abuse and remain productive.
