How staff supply university students with deadly drugs

A new report by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) has revealed that 18 per cent of drug access in Kenyan universities is linked to university staff, both teaching and non-teaching.

The study, conducted across both public and private universities in Kenya’s eight administrative regions, involved 15,678 students. It found that alcohol was the most accessible substance at 87.3 per cent, followed by cigarettes (64.4 per cent), shisha (41.2 per cent), vape/e-cigarettes (31 per cent), and nicotine pouches (30.7 per cent). Among narcotics, cannabis was the most prevalent at 61.7 per cent, followed by cannabis edibles, cocaine, and heroin.

Kenyatta University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Waceke Wanjohi, expressed shock at the findings, particularly the involvement of university staff in supplying drugs.

“When I combined the numbers of teaching and non-teaching staff, they comprised 21 per cent. This is shocking because these are individuals entrusted with our students,” she noted.  

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Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Africa Nazarene University, Simon Obwatho, commended Nacada for conducting the research, stating, “Instead of arguing and defending ourselves, it’s important that we take up responsibility and challenge this issue.”

He pointed out the need for universities to work together, share data and collectively combat the drug menace. He also called for increased funding to tackle the crisis, arguing that drug abuse threatens Kenya’s economic and social progress.

The findings of the report exposed an alarming prevalence of substance abuse among university students. Nearly 46 per cent of students reported having used at least one drug in their lifetime.

The study also highlighted the increasing involvement of female students, debunking the long-held belief that drug abuse is predominantly a male problem. “Data does not lie; male and female students are now at par in terms of drug abuse,” Prof. Wanjohi remarked.

The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, acknowledged that the drug problem is a national security issue. “If we have a problem with our youth, we have a big problem in our country because our youth represent our future,” he said.

He reaffirmed the National Police Service’s commitment to eliminating drug cartels and announced plans to enhance the capabilities of the Anti-Narcotics Drugs Unit to match the Anti-Terror Police Unit.

Nacada CEO, Dr. Anthony Omerikwa, warned about the growing challenge of synthetic drugs, which are difficult to detect. “This is like fighting an invisible enemy. You don’t see him coming, but when you realise he’s around, it’s too late,” he explained. He also revealed an unexpected finding: the 2023 anti-government demonstrations had exposed young people to drugs.

“Some students confessed that they smoked bhang for the first time during protests, believing that it would counteract the effects of tear gas,” he revealed.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, described drug abuse as “the greatest threat to Kenya’s well-being.” He acknowledged that university staff contribute to the drug problem.

“It is true that some lecturers invite students for drinks, and this leads to deeper issues, including sexual exploitation,” he stated. He called for a study into sexual abuse in universities, arguing that drug abuse and sexual misconduct often go hand in hand.

The report also highlighted that students living outside universities were more susceptible to drug abuse. Prof. John Muteti, Director of Research, Licensing and Standards at Nacada, emphasised the importance of regulating private hostels near universities.

The consequences of drug abuse among students are severe. The report revealed that 47.1 per cent of students struggling with drug use had difficulties passing exams, 36.5 per cent frequently missed classes and nearly 40 per cent faced disciplinary actions. Other issues included increased cases of sexual harassment, unplanned pregnancies and mental health disorders. Severe alcohol addiction was found in 8.7 per cent of students, with more cases in public universities than in private ones.