Addiction and the Law in Kenya: Your Questions Answered
Last updated: 3 November 2026
Questions and answers
What is NACADA?
NACADA is the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse, the government agency that coordinates prevention, public education, research and the accreditation of treatment and rehabilitation centres in Kenya. It runs the free 24-hour helpline 1192.
What is the legal drinking age in Kenya?
The legal age to buy and drink alcohol in Kenya is 18 years. Selling alcohol to anyone under 18 is an offence under the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act.
Is bhang legal in Kenya?
No. Possessing, using, growing or selling cannabis (bhang) is illegal in Kenya under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, and penalties can be severe. Seeking treatment for cannabis use is a health matter and is confidential.
Is miraa legal in Kenya?
Miraa is a legal, scheduled crop in Kenya and is widely grown and traded. Some counties have tried to restrict muguka, and these restrictions have been challenged in court, so check the current position in your county. Legal does not mean harmless: heavy use can still lead to dependence.
Can I be arrested for asking for help with addiction?
Seeking treatment, calling a helpline or attending counselling is a health step, not a crime. Rehab centres are required to keep client information confidential. If you have legal concerns about past drug-related offences, speak to a lawyer.
What rights do patients have in rehab?
Clients should be treated with dignity, given clear information about treatment and fees, kept in safe and hygienic conditions, protected from abuse, chaining or starvation, and have their information kept confidential. If you see abuse in a rehab, report it to NACADA on 1192 or to the police.
Is drink-driving an offence in Kenya?
Yes. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is an offence under the Traffic Act, and police use breathalysers (alcoblow) to test drivers. Beyond the legal penalties, impaired driving is a leading cause of road deaths.
Worried about someone? Talk to our team in confidence: 0706 466 150 or WhatsApp.
Sources
- NACADA – National Survey on the Status of Drugs and Substance Use in Kenya 2022 (abridged): nacada.go.ke
- NACADA – How to get assistance / Helpline 1192: nacada.go.ke/how-get-assistance
- NACADA – Directory of accredited rehabilitation centres: nacada.go.ke/rehabilitation-centers
- Kenyans.co.ke (15 Jan 2026) – NACADA orders closure of 15 rehab centres; 1.3 million Kenyans need treatment
- The Star (14 Jan 2025) – NACADA warning to unaccredited rehab centres
- The Standard – Survey: most Kenyans have used alcohol or abused drugs (NACADA 2022 figures)
- Capital FM – Minimum age for initiation into drugs falls to 6 (NACADA 2022 report)
- Capital FM Business (Jan 2026) – SHA to offer enhanced treatment cover for drug addicts
- The Standard – SHA to offer rehabilitation services for teachers suffering from addiction
- Harm Reduction International – Kenya country profile (methadone / MAT clinics)
- Kenya Law – Mental Health Act (as amended 2022); Alcoholic Drinks Control Act 2010; Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act 1994; Data Protection Act 2019
- World Health Organization – alcohol and substance use fact sheets; US National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – treatment and relapse; US CDC – cannabis use disorder
This information is for general education and does not replace advice from a qualified health professional. If you or someone you know is in danger, call 999 or 112.