Survey: 10 counties flagged for youth drug abuse
The report indicates that one out of every 11 individuals aged 15 to 24 is affected by drug and substance use.
A recent survey by the Ministry of Health has revealed a concerning rise in substance abuse among Kenyan youth, identifying ten counties as key hotspots for the alarming trend.
The report, conducted between November 2024 and February 2025, indicates that one out of every 11 individuals aged 15 to 24 is affected by drug and substance use.
The Ministry has raised urgent concerns over the escalating issue and is taking steps to address it.
The counties most at risk include Garissa, Kakamega, Kericho, Kisumu, Laikipia, Machakos, Meru, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Uasin Gishu.
These areas have seen a disturbing increase in drug abuse, and the Ministry is calling for immediate action to curb the problem.
Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary, Mary Muthoni, highlighted the urgency of tackling this growing problem.
"There is a growing interest in indulgence in drugs and substances, and this trend needs to be stopped," Muthoni said.
Among the substances most commonly abused by the youth are alcohol, miraa, tobacco, cannabis, and prescription medication.
The survey also uncovered concerns about substance use among individuals aged 25 to 35, a group that is crucial to the country’s workforce.
With about 1.5 million people in this age bracket affected, Muthoni emphasized the negative impact on their productivity.
To combat this issue, the Ministry of Health is set to launch a nationwide campaign, initially focusing on the ten counties identified as high-risk areas.
The initiative will focus on educating the youth about the dangers of drug abuse, while also promoting rehabilitation as a solution for prevention and recovery.
Furthermore, students on long holidays have been cautioned against experimenting with drugs, as the Ministry warned of the potential for this problem to escalate into a national disaster.
Muthoni called on educational institutions to play a role in addressing the crisis. "If unchecked, this issue could spiral into a national disaster," she warned.
The Ministry has also drawn attention to the increasing misuse of over-the-counter medications, particularly antibiotics, and the potential dangers this presents.
Muthoni explained that this growing trend could lead to antibiotic resistance, rendering vital medications ineffective.
“We are asking members of the public to avoid over-the-counter medication and prescribing drugs for themselves. It is important to note that antibiotic resistance is a reality now,” she stated.
The government has urged the public to seek professional medical advice and avoid self-prescribing, especially for common illnesses such as the flu or a cold.
Muthoni stressed the importance of consulting healthcare providers for accurate diagnoses and treatment.
"We request that members of the public, should you get unwell, please visit a health facility where you will find a skilled healthcare workforce to guide you and prescribe to you the kind of drugs that you require for your body and your ailments," she said.
Antimicrobial resistance has become a global health threat, and Muthoni warned that the habit of self-medication is contributing to this problem.
"Most people are getting minor ailments and rushing to the chemist and prescribing themselves antibiotics, and then when it exists in their bodies for a long time, it does not work anymore. The day you require it, it will not work," she explained.