Addiction Disorder in Kenya: A Fact Sheet

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Addiction Disorder, clinically known as Substance Use Disorder (SUD), is a treatable medical condition characterized by the uncontrolled use of a substance despite harmful consequences. It involves changes in brain chemistry that lead to intense cravings and compulsive drug-seeking behavior.

Scope of the Problem in Kenya

Addiction is a significant public health issue in Kenya, with distinct patterns across different demographics.

Demographic Group	Key Statistic	Primary Substances
General Population (15-65)	1 in 20 Kenyans is addicted to alcohol	Alcohol, tobacco, khat (miraa), cannabis
Youth & Students	Over 50% of people using drugs are aged 10-19	Alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, khat, synthetic drugs (e.g., methamphetamine, codeine syrup)
University Students	26.6% are current substance users; 45.6% have used at least one substance in their lifetime
Gender Differences (Adults)	Men: 15% have alcohol use problems; 12% have drug use problems. Women: 4% have alcohol use problems; 2% have drug use problems

Co-occurring Mental Health Issues: There is a strong link between substance use and mental health. In one study, 28% of women and 22% of men reported depressive symptoms, while 22% of women and 21% of men showed symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Commonly Used Substances in Kenya

The drug market in Kenya is evolving, but several substances remain prevalent:

Alcohol: The most commonly abused substance.
Tobacco
Khat (Miraa): A psycho-stimulant that is legally cultivated and traded in Kenya.
Cannabis (Bhang)
Synthetic Drugs: Including methamphetamine and the non-medical use of prescription drugs like codeine syrup
Inhalants: Such as glue and petrol, particularly among street children

Risk Factors and Correlates

Research has identified several factors associated with a higher risk of developing mental and substance use problems in Kenya :

Environmental Stressors: Stressful life events, food insecurity, family debt, and unemployment.
Residence: Living in urban informal settlements is linked to higher rates of alcohol use in women and mental health challenges.
Abuse and Trauma: A history of sexual or verbal abuse is a significant correlate for both substance use and mental health disorders.
Protective Factors: Strong social support, higher subjective wellbeing, marriage, and vigorous exercise are associated with reduced risk.

National Policy and Treatment Landscape

Government Action:
In June 2025, the Kenyan government adopted a groundbreaking National Policy on the Prevention of Alcohol, Drugs, and Substance Use (2025).

Key proposals include:

Banning alcohol advertising targeting youth and celebrity endorsements.
Prohibiting sales near schools and places of worship.
Raising the legal drinking age from 18 to 21.
Plans to establish a government-supported rehabilitation centre in every county

Treatment Gap:

Despite these efforts, Kenya struggles with a significant treatment gap. Currently, about 75% of Kenyans cannot access mental healthcare, and government expenditure on mental health is only 0.01% of the health budget.

Where to Get Help: Selected Rehabilitation Centers

Here are some accredited and known treatment facilities in Kenya.

Center Name	Location	Contact Information
NACADA Helpline	Nationwide	1192 (Free, 24/7)
Asumbi Treatment Centre	Karen, Nairobi	Tel: 072097781
Nairobi Place Centre	Nairobi	Tel: 0735550000
RiMa Serene Centre	Nyali, Mombasa	Tel: 0777202010
Retreat Rehab Centre	Limuru, Kiambu	Tel: 0715003150
Haven Recovery Centre	Eldoret, Uasin Gishu	Tel: 0706055664
Rapid Treatment Centre	Kahawa Sukari, Nairobi	Tel: 0727719023

Addiction Disorder in Kenya is a pressing health crisis, disproportionately affecting youth and intertwined with mental health conditions like depression and PTSD. While a promising new national policy signals a commitment to prevention, a vast treatment gap remains, highlighting the urgent need for expanded, accessible, and integrated healthcare services.