Substances

Plain-language, research-backed information on what these substances are, what they do, and where to get help. Written for people, families, and communities across Kenya and the region.

20 guides

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Alcohol and Illicit Brews

AlcoholAlso known as: Pombe, Chang'aa, Busaa, Muratina, Mnazi, KangaraThe most widely used substance in Kenya and East Africa. Legal commercial alcohol and illegal home brews like chang'aa account for the largest share…7 min read Chang’aaAlso known as: Mama Pima, Kill Me Quick, Second Generation, BusaaKenya's most dangerous illicit brew. A homemade grain spirit that is cheap, potent, and sometimes lethally adulterated with methanol and other industrial chemicals.6 min read

Cannabis

CannabisAlso known as: Bhang, Bangi, Marijuana, Weed, Ganja, HashKenya's most widely used illegal drug. Bhang use has increased by 90 percent in five years and is now found across all regions, ages,…7 min read

Stimulants

Khat (Miraa)Also known as: Miraa, Muguka, Veve, Mairungi, Qat, JaadA plant stimulant chewed for alertness and sociability, deeply embedded in Eastern Kenyan culture and widely used across the Horn of Africa. The third…7 min read CocaineAlso known as: Coke, Snow, White, Koki, CrackA powerful stimulant used in Nairobi's wealthier social circles and increasingly in coastal Kenya. Once considered rare in Kenya, cocaine availability is growing as…6 min read Synthetic StimulantsAlso known as: Meth, Crystal, Ice, Tik, Bath salts, Flakka, Khat analogueAn emerging and rapidly growing threat. Methamphetamine laboratories have been discovered in Kenya. Synthetic cathinones (bath salts) are spreading among young people, with unpredictable…6 min read

Opioids

Heroin and OpioidsAlso known as: Unga, Smack, Brown sugar, Kadeke, H, MorphineThe drug behind Kenya's most severe addiction crisis. Heroin dominates the Coast region and is spreading inland. It drives HIV transmission, family destruction, and…7 min read Tramadol and Prescription OpioidsAlso known as: Tramal, Tramol, T3, Codeine, Pethidine misusePrescription painkillers misused as street drugs. Tramadol is Africa's fastest-growing drug problem and is widely misused by students, transport workers, and labourers in Kenya.6 min read

Tobacco and Smoking Products

Tobacco and CigarettesAlso known as: Sigara, Tumbaku, Shag, Loose tobacco, RollsThe second most widely used substance in Kenya after alcohol. Tobacco kills more Kenyans than any other drug yet remains legally and widely available.6 min read ShishaAlso known as: Hookah, Water pipe, Malaisha, Bong, Hubbly bubblyBanned in Kenya since 2017 yet still widely available. A water pipe that delivers large amounts of toxic tobacco smoke, and which has been…6 min read KuberAlso known as: Kuber tobacco, Smokeless tobacco, Gutka, Pan masalaIndia's most notorious smokeless tobacco has arrived in Kenya and East Africa. Kuber was used by 23 percent of Kenyan university students in 2025,…6 min read

Inhalants

Inhalants and SolventsAlso known as: Glue, Gum, Kabuti, Jet fuel, Petrol, SuperglueThe hidden addiction of street children and the very poor. Inhalants are the cheapest way to get intoxicated in Kenya, and their damage to…6 min read

Drugs of Abuse (Misused Medicines)

Diazepam (Misused)Also known as: C5, Valium, Blues, Mzigo, Yellow tabletsKenya's most commonly misused prescription drug. Diazepam is legally a sedative and anti-seizure medicine, but on the street it is used to enhance heroin…6 min read Benzhexol (Artane)Also known as: Cosmos, Artane, Bugizi, BZL, TrihexyphenidylStreet name 'Cosmos.' A medicine prescribed to manage movement side effects of antipsychotics, now widely misused for its hallucinogenic and euphoric effects. The second…6 min read Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam)Also known as: Mchele, Roofie, Forget-me pill, Date rape drug, Red Devils, FluniesKnown as 'mchele' on Kenyan streets. A powerful sedative misused both as a standalone drug and as the so-called 'date rape drug' to spike…6 min read Codeine Cough SyrupAlso known as: Lean, Purp, Cough syrup, Tussin, Actifed, Benylin misuseCough medicines containing codeine are widely misused in Kenya for their opioid effect. Often mixed with soft drinks and candy to make a social…6 min read Mandrax (Methaqualone)Also known as: Mandrax, Mandies, Buttons, White pipe, Spoor, MXA powerful sedative that was withdrawn from medical use worldwide due to its abuse potential. Mandrax persists in East and Southern Africa, particularly in…5 min read MDMA (Ecstasy)Also known as: Ecstasy, Molly, E, Pills, XTC, MandyA club and party drug that floods the brain with serotonin, producing intense feelings of closeness and euphoria. Present in Nairobi's nightlife and increasingly…6 min read Amitriptyline (Misused)Also known as: Ami, Antidepressant pills, Sleeping tablets, Depressant misuseA prescription antidepressant misused for its sedative effect and, dangerously, in self-harm overdoses. The third most commonly detected abused prescription drug in Kenya's 2026…6 min read New Psychoactive SubstancesAlso known as: Spice, K2, Fake weed, Designer drugs, Legal highs, Bath salts, NPSThe fastest-growing threat in Kenya's drug landscape. Chemically tweaked to stay one step ahead of the law, these synthetic substances have been detected in…6 min read