NAIROBI - Kenya is grappling with a profound substance abuse crisis, with new data painting a stark picture of addiction, particularly among its youth. As the government unveils ambitious plans to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the healthcare sector, a critical debate is unfolding over the best approach to treatment. While technology offers novel solutions, addiction specialists and counsellors underscore the irreplaceable value of human-centred care in a nation where stigma and limited resources already pose significant barriers to recovery.

The scale of the challenge was brought into sharp focus by a February 2025 report from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA). The study on university students revealed that 45.6% have used at least one drug, with 8.5% requiring rehabilitation. Speaking at the National Prevention Week summit on Thursday, 20th February 2025, NACADA board chairman Stephen Mairori stated that 53% of Kenyans have used illicit drugs in their lifetime, highlighting a widespread societal issue. Alcohol remains the most abused substance, but the use of cannabis, tobacco products, and prescription drugs is rampant.

This escalating public health issue coincides with a major push for technological solutions from the highest levels of government. In March 2025, Kenya launched its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2025-2030), identifying healthcare as a priority sector for AI-driven transformation. Officials, including those from the Ministry of Health, have called for the adoption of AI to improve diagnostics and treatment, viewing it as a revolutionary step for the nation's healthcare system.

The Promise and Peril of AI in Addiction Treatment

Globally, AI is being deployed in addiction treatment with promising, albeit nascent, results. AI-powered systems can analyze vast datasets to predict relapse risks, personalize treatment plans based on an individual's unique history and behavioral patterns, and provide 24/7 support through chatbots. These tools offer anonymity and accessibility, which could be game-changing in a context like Kenya where stigma is a primary barrier preventing individuals from seeking help. The fear of judgment from family, community, and even healthcare workers often forces those struggling with addiction into silence.

However, the source article's central warning against over-reliance on technology resonates with many experts. Critics argue that an algorithm, no matter how sophisticated, cannot replicate the empathy, trust, and nuanced understanding of a human therapist. Addiction is frequently intertwined with underlying trauma, mental health disorders, and complex social pressures—issues that require a deep, human connection to unpack and heal. An AI cannot perceive the subtle, non-verbal cues that are often critical in a therapeutic setting. Furthermore, the risk of AI systems providing inaccurate or even dangerous advice is a significant concern, especially when dealing with vulnerable individuals in crisis.

Human-Centred Care: The Bedrock of Recovery

The consensus among addiction professionals is that effective treatment is built on a foundation of human connection. Therapeutic approaches like person-centred therapy, which emphasize empathy, empowerment, and a non-judgmental relationship between client and therapist, have proven effective in treating substance use disorders. This model fosters self-awareness and personal responsibility, helping individuals address the root causes of their addiction.

In Kenya, the existing rehabilitation framework, though stretched, is based on this human-centric model. Facilities in Nairobi, Mombasa, and other counties rely on a combination of pharmacological treatment and intensive counselling, group therapy, and community support. Studies on their effectiveness point to the importance of aftercare services and social support in preventing relapse. The role of community, family, and peer support networks is consistently highlighted as crucial for sustained recovery.

However, these vital services face immense challenges. Beyond stigma, barriers include the high cost of treatment, a shortage of trained personnel and specialized facilities (especially in rural areas), and a lack of public awareness. A 2021 study noted the difficulties in establishing and maintaining effective rehabilitation programs due to limited resources and poor inter-agency coordination.

A Hybrid Future for Kenya?

The debate should not necessarily be a binary choice between human care and artificial intelligence. The future of addiction treatment in Kenya could lie in a hybrid model where technology supports, rather than replaces, human-led therapy. AI could be used to streamline administrative tasks, provide patients with supplementary support tools between therapy sessions, and help clinicians analyze data to better tailor their interventions.

For this to be realized, Kenya's new National AI Strategy must be implemented with caution and a clear ethical framework, particularly concerning data privacy and algorithmic bias. As the UNODC's 2025 World Drug Report indicates shifting trafficking routes and rising consumption in East Africa, innovative solutions are urgently needed. Yet, as Kenya navigates its path forward, the core principle must be that technology serves as a tool to enhance human connection, not a substitute for it. The fight against addiction is, at its heart, a fight to restore human dignity and connection—a mission that requires a human touch. Further investigation is required to identify any existing pilot programs integrating technology into substance abuse treatment within Kenya.