journalist reporter – Kenya
The energy of Kenya’s youth and the dynamism of Generation Z are undeniable forces shaping the nation’s future. Yet, beneath the surface of innovation and aspiration, a quieter, more insidious battle is being waged. Across the vibrant landscapes of Nakuru, the bustling streets of Nairobi, the lakeside pulse of Kisumu, and the coastal rhythm of Mombasa, a growing number of young Kenyans are grappling with the intertwined challenges of drug and substance abuse and a burgeoning mental health crisis. This isn’t a distant problem; it’s a present reality echoing in our universities, our communities, and within the very fabric of our society.
My journey into this complex issue began with a conversation – a reconnection with a former schoolmate back in primary (Lions Primary – Nakuru city), Salim Kimemia, now a dedicated Counselor and Health Professional at the East African Institute of Certified Studies in Nairobi. Salim’s insights painted a stark picture, one that resonated with anecdotal whispers I’d encountered in my own interactions with young people across the country. He spoke of a rising tide of anxiety, depression, and addiction, often feeding into one another in a vicious cycle.
& Mental Health Professional (Salim Kimemia)
“The pressures on young people today are immense,” Salim shared with a concerned tone. “Academic expectations, the uncertainty of the job market, the constant barrage of social media – it all contributes to a significant mental load. For some, drugs become a misguided form of escape, a temporary reprieve that ultimately deepens the underlying issues.”
To truly understand the contours of this crisis, I ventured into the heart of these communities. In Nakuru, I spoke with Amina (not her real name), a university student who recounted the pervasive culture of substance use, often masked as a way to cope with academic stress and social anxieties. “It starts with curiosity, peer pressure… then it becomes a crutch,” she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. “The comedown is always the worst. The anxiety just spirals.”
Her experience is not isolated. In the sprawling urban landscape of Nairobi, I encountered David, a young man in his early twenties who has battled addiction and its crippling effect on his mental well-being. His story, shared with a raw vulnerability, spoke of lost opportunities, fractured relationships, and the long, arduous journey towards recovery. “The drugs numbed the pain for a while,” he admitted, “but they also stole my future. The mental fog, the constant paranoia… it’s a heavy price to pay.”
The physical toll is equally devastating. From the long-term health consequences of various substances to the immediate dangers of overdose, the bodies of young Kenyans are bearing the brunt of this crisis. But it is the unseen wounds – the erosion of mental health – that demand our urgent attention. As Salim Kimemia emphasized, substance abuse can trigger or exacerbate conditions like anxiety disorders, depression, and even psychosis. The self-medication often employed by those struggling with mental health only serves to create a dangerous feedback loop, trapping individuals in a cycle of dependence and despair.
The conversation around mental health, while gaining traction, still faces significant hurdles. Stigma remains a powerful deterrent, preventing many young people from seeking the help they desperately need. In Kisumu, I spoke with a lecturer, who preferred to remain anonymous, about the challenges they face in supporting students struggling with these issues. “There’s a lack of awareness, both among the students themselves and sometimes even within the institution,” they admitted. “Many don’t recognize the signs of a mental health problem, or they’re afraid of being judged.”
Parents, too, often grapple with a lack of understanding and resources. In Mombasa, I connected with a parent, Mama Zulekha, who shared her heartbreaking journey of trying to support her son through addiction and a subsequent mental health breakdown. Her story highlighted the urgent need for accessible and culturally sensitive information and support systems for families.
However, amidst these challenges, glimmers of hope emerge. There are dedicated individuals and organizations working tirelessly to raise mental health awareness and provide support. Initiatives focused on peer counseling, destigmatization campaigns, and accessible mental health services are beginning to take root. The key, as Salim Kimemia stressed, lies in a multi-pronged approach: Early Education and Awareness: Integrating comprehensive education about drug abuse and mental health into school curricula from an early age, Destigmatization: Actively challenging the societal stigma surrounding mental health through open conversations and relatable narratives, Accessible and Affordable Mental Healthcare: Expanding the availability of mental health professionals and ensuring that services are affordable and accessible to all young Kenyans, regardless of their socioeconomic background, Community-Based Support Systems: Strengthening community-level support networks, including family, friends, and peer groups, to provide a safety net for those struggling, and finally, Targeted Interventions: Developing and implementing evidence-based interventions specifically tailored to the needs of youth and Gen Z, addressing both substance abuse and underlying mental health issues.
The battle against substance abuse and the silent mental health crisis among Kenya’s youth and Gen Z is far from over. It requires a collective effort – from families and educators to healthcare professionals and policymakers. By amplifying the voices of those affected, fostering open conversations, and investing in accessible and effective support systems, we can begin to dismantle the stigma and empower a generation to break free from the shadows and embrace a healthier, more hopeful future. The potential of Kenya’s youth is immense; it is our responsibility to ensure that their path forward is not obscured by the devastating consequences of addiction and untreated mental health challenges.
