Kenya’s New Substance Abuse Policy

Kenya takes a historic step forward with the launch of its first National Policy on Substance Abuse, a crucial move to combat a crisis costing the nation Ksh 50 billion annually in lost productivity and healthcare burdens.

Kenya’s New Substance Abuse Policy: A Vital Step for Public Health and Fiscal Responsibility

By National Taxpayers Association (NTA)

June 5, 2024

A Turning Point in Kenya’s Fight Against Substance Abuse

The National Taxpayers Association (NTA) recognises today’s launch of Kenya’s first-ever National Policy on Prevention, Management, and Control of Alcohol, Drugs, and Substance Abuse as both a public health imperative and a fiscal responsibility milestone.

Kenya’s New Substance Abuse Policy: A Vital Step for Public Health and Fiscal Responsibility
Kenya’s New Substance Abuse Policy: A Vital Step for Public Health and Fiscal Responsibility

 

NTA CEO Patrick Nyangweso joined NACADA, law enforcement agencies, civil society leaders, and faith-based organisations to endorse this critical framework, which promises a coordinated national response to a crisis that has long devastated communities, strained healthcare systems, and undermined economic productivity.

Why This Policy Matters

Substance abuse is not just a social issue—it’s a governance and economic challenge. According to NACADA (2023), drug and alcohol abuse costs Kenya an estimated Ksh 50 billion annually in lost productivity, healthcare burdens, and crime-related expenditures.

The new policy introduces a multi-sectoral approach, focusing on:

  1. Optimising Anti-Drug Resource Allocation – Ensuring taxpayer funds are effectively directed towards prevention, enforcement, and rehabilitation.

  2. Strengthening Border Surveillance – Disrupting supply chains of illicit drugs and alcohol.

  3. Scaling Up Rehabilitation Programs – Providing evidence-based recovery support to victims of addiction.

For NTA, this policy aligns with our mission to promote accountable governance and efficient public spending. Protecting vulnerable populations—especially youth—from substance abuse directly safeguards Kenya’s future workforce and tax base.

NTA’s Commitment in This Fight

As part of our advocacy, NTA will:

✔ Collaborate with NACADA to monitor policy implementation and resource use.
✔ Push for stricter controls on drug accessibility, affordability, and availability.
✔ Advocate for budget transparency in rehabilitation and law enforcement programs.
✔ Support community awareness campaigns to prevent youth exploitation by drug cartels.

The message is clear: #EnoughIsEnough. Kenya must act decisively to break the cycle of addiction, crime, and economic loss.

A Call to Action

This policy is a critical first step, but sustained enforcement and public participation are key. We urge:

  • Citizens are to report drug-related activities and support rehabilitation efforts.

  • Government agencies need to ensure timely funding and policy execution.

  • Private sector & NGOs to invest in prevention and recovery programs.

Together, we can build a healthier, more productive Kenya.

#TaxJusticeKE #HealthyKenya #EndSubstanceAbuse

Join the Conversation

What measures do you think will most effectively combat substance abuse? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag @nta_kenya on social media.