Kenya’s latest security records show that bhang continues to lead in drug seizures across the country, with Nairobi and the Central region recording the highest recoveries, even as authorities maintain that the country is still used both as a destination and a transit route for narcotics moving across different regions of the world.
A police report presented in Parliament on Thursday indicates that Kenya continues to play a role in international drug trafficking networks.
“Kenya continues to serve as both destination and transit point for narcotics destined for Southern and Western Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americans,” a police document tabled in Parliament on Thursday shows.
The findings point to strong demand and well-established supply channels, especially in Nairobi, which has emerged as a key hub for consumption and redistribution. Officers report regular seizures in residential areas and along major transport routes within the capital.
The details were presented during a meeting between Members of Parliament and Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin, who appeared before the National Assembly’s National Administration Committee to brief lawmakers on progress made in implementing a Presidential directive targeting illicit alcohol, drug trafficking and substance abuse.
“Bhang accounts for over 98 per cent of all drug seizures, indicating it remains the dominant narcotic,” the spy chief told MPs.
Police data shows that between January and March 2026, officers seized 5,100 kilogrammes of bhang, 485.36 grammes of cocaine, 1.845 kilogrammes of heroin and 20 tablets of Cozepam.
Central region has also been identified as a major hotspot, with authorities linking the trend to its position along highways feeding into Nairobi. “Central and Nairobi regions recorded the highest arrest volumes, indicating urban distribution hubs,” Amin said.
Security agencies say traffickers often gather consignments in these areas before distributing them to urban markets.
Rift Valley and Coast regions have also recorded significant seizures, raising concern that they are being used as transit corridors for large drug shipments.
Along the Coast, investigators point to transport routes connected to port entry points, while in the Rift Valley, the wide highway network is believed to support movement of drugs across counties. “The minimal foreign involvement suggests predominantly local networks with limited but notable international links,” the DCI boss explained.
“These operations demonstrate sustained disruption of both supply chains and distribution networks.”
Police figures show that 1,690 people were arrested between January and March this year. Out of these, 1,371 were found in possession of drugs, 41 were linked to cultivation, while 278 were arrested for trafficking.
Authorities say drug activity is concentrated in nine counties: Mombasa, Migori, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, Nairobi, Kisii, Marsabit and Garissa.
Investigators also note that traffickers are increasingly using ungazetted entry points along Kenya’s borders with Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda to move narcotics across.
Regional breakdown shows 463 traffickers were arrested in Central, 202 in Eastern, 161 in Rift Valley, 133 in Nairobi, 76 in Coast, 74 in Western, 72 in Nyanza and five in North Eastern.
Amin warned that the spread of drugs is fueling crime, straining health systems and increasing social instability in affected areas.
“The economic burden on the health sector remains significant, with substantial public resources being spent annually on treatment and rehabilitation of drug users,” he said.
“In recognition of the threat posed by drug trafficking and substance abuse, H.E the President declared the vice a serious threat to national stability and directed nationwide crackdown.”
Police say operations will be intensified along known trafficking routes and in urban centres as part of expanded anti-narcotics efforts. “The revamping and expansion of the Anti-Narcotics Unit is a critical strategic intervention in addressing the growing threat of illicit alcohol and drug trafficking in the country,” police said.
