Kenya is integrating gender-sensitive approaches into drug policies following the need for inclusive interventions that address the distinct challenges faced by men and women.

The board chair of the National Authority for the Campaign Against Drug Abuse (Nacada) Stephen Mairori has said though there were disparities in drug use patterns between women and men, women often suffer greater consequences from substance abuse.

Speaking at a side event on “Building Effective Partnerships on Gender and Drug Policy” during the 2025 Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) meeting in Vienna, Dr Mairori noted that existing rehabilitation frameworks must adapt to these gender differences to enhance accessibility and effectiveness.

“While men are more likely to use drugs, the impact of substance abuse is often more severe for women. This calls for targeted interventions, including the establishment of women-only rehabilitation centers that cater specifically to their unique needs, such as pregnancy, childcare, and safety concerns,” he stated.

Kenya is taking proactive steps to address these challenges, having recently reviewed its National Drug Control Policy to incorporate gender-sensitive strategies.

The revised policy acknowledges the barriers women face in accessing treatment and integrates solutions to mitigate these hindrances.

Nacada has already rolled out free rehabilitation services for women at the Miritini Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Mombasa to encourage greater participation in treatment programs.

“We recognise the low uptake of rehabilitation services among female drug users, and in response, we are offering free services at Miritini to remove financial barriers. Additionally, we are working closely with county governments and stakeholders to implement gender-specific prevention, rehabilitation, and reintegration programs,” he added.

According to Mairori, there is also need for continuous dialogue among policymakers, researchers, and implementers to ensure global best practices are reflected in national strategies.

The session, co-sponsored by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Norwegian government, served as a platform for experts to discuss practical solutions for addressing gender disparities in drug policies.