Aasai

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) is pushing for sweeping reforms to combat the rising threat of substance abuse among Kenya’s youth. Through its proposed 2025 National Policy on the Prevention of Alcohol, Drugs and Substance Use, the authority seeks to address the widespread availability and consumption of alcohol and drugs, particularly among school-going and university students. This initiative marks a decisive move by the government to reverse the growing culture of substance dependency.

A central feature of the policy is the proposed legal adjustment of the alcohol consumption age from 18 to 21 years. This adjustment is designed to offer an extra layer of protection to young people, whose exposure to alcohol and drugs has been linked to mental health issues, school dropouts, and risky behavior. By raising the age limit, NACADA hopes to delay initial exposure and reduce long-term addiction rates. This measure is complemented by the proposed restriction of alcohol sales in the vicinity of schools and religious institutions.

Additionally, NACADA plans to introduce a zero-tolerance policy on irresponsible promotion and advertising of alcohol and drug use. These reforms aim to counteract the normalization of substance abuse in social and commercial spaces. The authority argues that aggressive marketing, especially on social media and entertainment platforms, significantly contributes to the glamorization of alcohol and drug use, particularly among impressionable audiences.

In a significant move of support, the Cabinet approved the new policy on June 24, granting NACADA full authority to enforce these provisions across the country. With this endorsement, NACADA is now set to implement stricter monitoring and regulation of alcohol distribution, advertising, and retail practices. The government’s backing signals a national consensus on the urgency of curbing the negative social impacts of substance abuse.

Special focus has also been given to protecting marginalized groups. The policy outlines strategies to provide additional safeguards for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable populations. This approach recognizes that some groups are disproportionately affected by substance abuse and require tailored interventions for prevention and rehabilitation.

Earlier in February 2025, NACADA released findings from a study titled Status of Drugs and Substance Use Among University Students in Kenya. The report painted a grim picture, showing that 87.3% of university students had consumed alcohol, making it the most widely abused substance in the institutions. The report also indicated that 64.4% had used cigarettes, and 41.2% had tried shisha. The study, which involved 15,678 students from both public and private universities, revealed that peer influence and easy accessibility were the main sources of these substances.

The study further noted that a significant portion of students—66.4%—reported obtaining drugs from their friends, while 59.3% admitted sourcing substances from nearby canteens and bars. These statistics underscore the need for community-centered strategies to break the chain of supply and peer pressure that fuels youth substance use.

To enhance public awareness, NACADA has been actively working with communities and faith-based organizations to promote substance-free lifestyles. These partnerships aim to build grassroots support for preventive action while restoring moral and social values that discourage drug abuse.

In summary, NACADA’s bold policy proposals reflect a growing determination to protect the youth and vulnerable from the dangers of substance abuse. With Cabinet support and public engagement, Kenya is poised to make significant strides in safeguarding future generations from the grip of addiction.