A new report by NACADA has revealed a worrying trend in drug and substance abuse among university students in Kenya.
The study, titled Status of Drugs and Substance Use Among University Students in Kenya, sought to determine the extent of drug and substance misuse in higher learning institutions.
The findings showed that nearly half of all university students in the country had used at least one drug or narcotic at some point in their lives. According to the survey, 45.6 percent of students admitted to having abused at least one drug or substance.
Among the most commonly used substances, beer ranked highest at 40.5 percent, followed by cannabis smokers at 14.9 percent. Cigarettes were used by 13.4 percent of students, while shisha was at 10.9 percent.
Vapes accounted for 8.5 percent, and nicotine pouches were used by 4.6 percent of the students. Miraa and muguka, which are often consumed together, were also popular, with 10.1 percent and 9.9 percent of students using them, respectively.
Cannabis edibles were also a concern, with 11.9 percent of students consuming them.The research further revealed that in the past 30 days, at least 26.6 percent of students had engaged in drug and substance abuse.
The study showed a difference in usage between students in private and public universities. Private university students were more likely to engage in drug use, with 35.1 percent admitting to substance abuse compared to 22.6 percent in public universities.
Additionally, private university students were found to be at a higher risk of severe depression than their counterparts in public institutions.
The study identified several key risk factors contributing to drug abuse among students. One of the main causes was the inability to cope with stressful situations, which led many to seek solace in substance use.
Unresolved childhood trauma and experiences of gender-based violence were also big factors pushing students toward drugs. The influence of peers was another major contributor, with many students getting introduced to drugs through friends, boyfriends, or girlfriends who were already using them.
Gambling addiction was also highlighted as a reason some students resorted to drug use.To address this issue, the study proposed several mitigation strategies.
Strengthening guidance and counselling services in universities was highlighted as a key measure.
Mentorship programs that encourage students to seek positive role models were also recommended. Affordable rehabilitative treatments should be made available to students struggling with addiction.
Increased parental supervision was also suggested as a way to curb drug use, especially among students who live off-campus. Institutions were encouraged to conduct sensitization programs to educate students on the dangers of drug abuse.
The report further recommended that universities establish strong recovery communities that celebrate sobriety and provide emotional and social support for students trying to quit drug use.
These recovery programs should be integrated into university structures to ensure continuous assistance for those affected. Without proper intervention, drug and substance abuse in universities will continue to rise, putting the future of many students at risk.
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