The Ministry of Health is now raising concerns over the growing abuse of drugs and substances amongst the youth, as a recent report indicates 1 in every 11 young people, aged between 15 and 24, are using a substance.
Consequently, a survey done between November 2024 and February 2025 has put 10 counties at a higher risk for the youth and their indulgence in drugs and substances, sometimes prescription medication. These counties are: Garissa, Kakamega, Kericho, Kisumu, Laikipia, Machakos, Meru, Mombasa, Nakuru and Uasin Gishu.
According to public health and professional standards, PS Mary Muthoni, there is a growing interest among the youth indulgence of drugs and substances, a trend that needs to be stopped.
Statistics show, alcohol, miraa, tobacco, cannabis and prescription drugs, in that order, are the highly abused amongst the youth.
The young working class, between 25 and 35, about 1.5 million Kenyans are affected and there are fears these numbers could go up.
This concern is fuelled by the fact that they are in their productive ages but the indulgence in drugs is gravely affecting their productivity at work.
PS Mary Muthoni says something needs to be done urgently.
Soon, the ministry is set to roll out a nationwide campaign, but starting in the 10 counties at a higher risk, sensitising the youth on the dangers while also pushing for checking into rehabilitative facilities to curb the menace that, if unchecked, would spiral into a national disaster.
There is also caution to youth in institutions of higher learning, especially now that some are on a long holiday, to refrain from drug abuse and remain productive
