Addressing drug and substance use among university students in Kenya

Abstract

Drug and substance use among university students in Kenya is a growing public health crisis, with studies indicating alarming prevalence rates. A recent study has shown that 45.6% of students reported lifetime use of drugs and substances of abuse; 25% were current users; and another 1 in every 12 students were struggling with addiction. Alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and prescription drugs (e.g., codeine, morphine) were the most commonly abused substances, with ease of accessibility both on and off campuses exacerbating the problem. Risk factors included peer pressure,stress, financial freedom, and prolonged waiting periods before university admission. This policy brief highlights key findings, identifies gaps in current interventions, and proposes evidence-based recommendations to mitigate substance abuse among Kenyan university students.