Alcohol Addiction in Kenya Hits 1.36 Million, Tobacco and Cannabis Also on the Rise — NACADA

A new report by the National Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NACADA) has revealed alarming statistics on substance addiction in Kenya. According to the data, 1 in every 20 Kenyans is addicted to alcohol, translating to a staggering 1.36 million individuals across the country.

The findings were shared during a segment on NTV's The Last Word under the banner The Alcohol Divide, shedding light on the growing threat of addiction and its impact on public health, families, and national productivity.

Substance Abuse Breakdown in Kenya (NACADA Report).

1. Alcohol

Prevalence: 1 in 20 Kenyans

Total Addicted: 1.36 million

Alcohol remains the most widely abused substance in Kenya. Easy availability, cultural normalization, and lack of enforcement have contributed to widespread misuse, especially among youth and men in rural and urban centers.

2. Tobacco

Prevalence: 1 in 30 Kenyans

Total Addicted: 887,627

Tobacco addiction also remains high, with cigarettes and smokeless tobacco easily accessible. Health experts continue to warn about rising cases of lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory complications linked to long-term tobacco use.

3. Cannabis

Prevalence: 1 in 111 Kenyans

Total Addicted: 234,855

Despite being illegal in Kenya, cannabis (commonly known as bhang) is increasingly abused, particularly among youth in urban informal settlements. The growing debate around legalization has fueled more curiosity and consumption.

What These Numbers Mean for Kenya

The statistics underscore a deepening addiction crisis in Kenya, particularly with alcohol leading by a significant margin. Experts warn that unless comprehensive interventions are implemented—including community education, access to rehabilitation services, and stricter enforcement—the country could face a generational health emergency.

NACADA has urged policymakers, religious leaders, parents, and local communities to unite in fighting the surge in addiction, emphasizing that addiction is not just a personal problem but a national development issue.

What do you think should be done to reduce substance abuse among youth in our communities?