By Esther Wambui Njabia
Communication and Media Student
Laikipia University
Kenya's young people are one of the country's greatest resources. They are expected to study, work, create businesses and drive innovation. However, drug and substance abuse is threatening this potential. What may begin as experimentation, peer pressure or an attempt to cope with stress can develop into dependence, affecting education, health, relationships and the ability of young people to contribute productively to the economy.
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has identified young people as a vulnerable group. Its 2022 national survey found that one in every 11 Kenyans aged 15–24 was currently using at least one drug or substance of abuse. Alcohol and cannabis were among the substances reported. These figures show that substance abuse is not simply an individual problem; it is a wider social and economic concern.
The effects are often first seen in education. Substance abuse can interfere with concentration, memory, attendance and academic performance. It may contribute to indiscipline and school dropout, reducing a young person's opportunity to gain skills needed for employment or entrepreneurship. When young people fail to complete their education or training, Kenya loses part of the skilled workforce it needs for development.
The health consequences are equally serious. Drug dependence can require medical treatment, counselling and rehabilitation. Families may spend money on healthcare and recovery while losing income when a parent or young worker has to provide care. This places additional financial pressure on households and can divert money from essential needs such as food, education and housing.
Substance abuse also affects workplaces and businesses. A young employee struggling with addiction may experience absenteeism, poor concentration, accidents or reduced productivity. Employers can consequently face lost working hours, staff turnover, healthcare costs and lower output. At the national level, reduced productivity means fewer goods and services are produced, while families may experience reduced incomes and financial instability.
The problem can also increase pressure on public institutions. Health facilities, schools, rehabilitation centres, social workers and the justice system may all be required to respond to problems associated with substance use. These interventions require public resources. At the same time, unemployment and poverty may increase vulnerability to harmful substance use, creating a cycle in which economic hardship and drug abuse can reinforce one another.
Kenya therefore needs a strong prevention and recovery approach. Schools and universities should strengthen drug education, counselling and early identification of students at risk. Parents and communities should create safe environments where young people can discuss stress, peer pressure and addiction without stigma. Government agencies and health professionals should also make treatment and rehabilitation services more accessible.
Young people already affected by addiction need support rather than isolation. NACADA operates a free 24-hour helpline, 1192, which provides counselling and referrals. Greater awareness of such services can encourage young people and families to seek help before substance abuse causes deeper damage.
Protecting Kenyan youth from drug and substance abuse is ultimately an investment in the country's future. A healthy and productive generation can strengthen families, businesses and national development. Tackling the problem requires cooperation among young people, parents, schools, communities, government and health professionals. By investing in prevention, early intervention and recovery, Kenya can protect its human capital and reduce the economic burden associated with substance abuse.
The writer is a Communication and Media student at Laikipia University who is concerned about Kenya's youth and the country's economy.
0 Comments