Editor’s note: This article was written by a university student and reflects emerging research and youth perspectives on public health challenges affecting higher education in Kenya.
Drug and substance abuse among university students in Kenya has escalated into a serious public health concern, threatening academic performance, mental well-being, and the country’s long-term development prospects. Universities are traditionally viewed as spaces for intellectual growth and character formation. However, recent evidence paints a troubling picture: institutions of higher learning are increasingly becoming hotspots for exposure to harmful substances.
According to the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA, 2024), 46% of university students in Kenya have used at least one drug in their lifetime, while 26.6% are currently abusing substances. These figures highlight the scale of the problem and reveal the vulnerability of young adults to both psychosocial and academic challenges.
This situation mirrors national trends. Data from the Ministry of Health (2024) shows that one in every 11 Kenyan youths aged 15–24 uses hazardous substances. Counties such as Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Kakamega, and Uasin Gishu have been identified as high-risk areas. As university students make up a significant proportion of this age group, they sit at the centre of this growing national concern.
Behind these statistics are real and distressing experiences. Universities in Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, and Kisumu continue to report rising numbers of students admitted to rehabilitation centres for addictions involving alcohol, cannabis, prescription stimulants, and methamphetamine. First-year students appear particularly vulnerable. The transition from a highly structured high-school environment to the relative freedom of campus life exposes them to new social circles, peer pressure, and academic stress—factors that can increase the risk of substance use.
The consequences are far-reaching. Students struggling with addiction often experience declining academic performance, poor class attendance, strained relationships, and deteriorating mental health. University counselling departments report increased demand for psychological support related to substance misuse, although many students remain silent due to fear of stigma or disciplinary action. Collectively, these challenges represent a significant loss of human potential, affecting families and the future workforce.
Several factors contribute to rising rates of substance abuse among university students. Academic pressure drives some students to misuse stimulants to stay awake or depressants to cope with anxiety. Peer influence remains a powerful driver of substance use on campuses, while easy access to alcohol and drugs—especially around urban universities—worsens the problem. Economic hardship, family conflict, and unresolved trauma also increase vulnerability, as some students turn to drugs as a coping mechanism.
Despite the scale of the challenge, institutional responses remain uneven. While some universities have established counselling centres and awareness programmes, many lack structured prevention strategies, adequate mental health staffing, or effective enforcement of drug-free policies. As a result, students often avoid seeking help, allowing the problem to grow quietly.
A more compassionate, evidence-based response is urgently needed. Universities can expand mental health services, create safe spaces for open dialogue, and invest in peer-support programmes that encourage collective responsibility. Stronger collaboration between universities, NACADA, county governments, law-enforcement agencies, and community organisations is also necessary to reduce the availability of drugs around campuses. Promoting healthy coping mechanisms—such as stress-management training, mentorship, sports, and extracurricular activities—can further support student well-being.
Drug abuse among university students in Kenya is not merely a disciplinary issue; it is a public health emergency. While the statistics are alarming, they also serve as a call to action. With coordinated efforts from universities, families, policymakers, and community stakeholders, young people can be protected from substance abuse and empowered to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
Vyona Adiambo Onyango is Kenyan student at Zetech University and the President of the Journalism Student Association of Kenya. She is a passionate writer, an unwavering advocate in drug abuse prevention, and a committed voice to address youth-related social vices in Kenyan schools. She can be reached via vyonaadhiambo3@gmail.com.
