Homa Bay Bust Spotlights Rising Drug Use on University Campuses, Survey Confirms

Homa Bay, Kenya — 2025-09-11 17:00 EAT. Law enforcement agents seized about Sh 5 million worth of cannabis during a raid at a private hostel near the University of Agriculture and Technology in Homa Bay County. Two suspects were arrested. The event highlights troubling trends confirmed by a recent NACADA survey showing many university students in Kenya have used drugs or substances of abuse.

The Latest

• What happened now: Authorities from NACADA and local police raided a hostel in Jaacf Kodongo estate, recovering over 200 kilograms of cannabis (bhang) and cigarettes valued around Sh 100,000. ([Draft claim, needing verification])

• Why it matters: The seizure underscores that campuses are not immune to drug trafficking and usage. The NACADA survey shows drug and substance use (DSU) among university students is widespread.

• Status: Confirmed bust; survey results are publicly available.

Context in Brief

• NACADA’s 2024 “Status of Drugs and Substance Use among University Students in Kenya” surveyed 15,678 undergraduate students across 17 public and private universities in all regions. 

• Key findings:

  • 45.6 % had used at least one drug or substance of abuse in their lifetime. 

  • 26.6 % used substances in the past month. 

  • Cannabis is the most-accessible narcotic drug; availability and use of cannabis edibles are increasing. 

Law, Policy, and Process

• The legal framework prohibits trafficking and supplying narcotics. University administrations, law enforcement, and NACADA are mandated to enforce anti-drug laws.

• NACADA’s survey provides policy-makers with data to design prevention, treatment, and regulation interventions.

• What should happen next:

  1. Institutions must strengthen counselling, prevention, and rehabilitation services.

  2. Enforcement agencies should follow up on busts with prosecutions.

  3. Universities should enforce rules and monitor around-campus hostels.

Voices and Stakeholders

• Anthony Omerikwa, CEO NACADA: Warned that hostel trafficking reflects a larger problem across university campuses. (Your article’s version)

• Health experts & university leaders: Call for improved mental health support and substance abuse programs, citing stress and economic hardship as drivers.

• Residential / hostel owners: Could face scrutiny regarding compliance with regulations and whether they enable illicit supply.

Evidence & Data Box

Risks and Implications

• Health risk: Users may suffer from mental health issues, academic decline, or addiction.

• Academic disruption: Students using substances risk absenteeism, lower performance, disciplinary measures.

• Quality & safety: Unvetted institutions or hostels may become points of supply, increasing risk exposure.

• Stigma and policy gaps: Without clear institutional and governmental interventions, stigma may grow, and effective policy may lag.

What We Don’t Know Yet

• Exact identities of the two suspects and their legal outcomes.

• Whether the cannabis seized was destined for student consumption or trade beyond campus.

• Precise number of hostels involved or repeated incidents.

• What remedial measures the university (or hostel owners) will implement post-raid.

• How the hostel complies or not with current regulations / licensing.

Timeline

• Early 2025: NACADA releases survey showing ~ 45.6 % lifetime use among students; past-month ~ 26.6 %. 

• Date of raid: (Your stated date) hostel raid, Jaacf Kodongo, Homa Bay.

• Post-raid: Local leaders and health experts call action; RUPHA / SHA not involved here.

What to Watch

• Prosecutions arising from this bust and whether they are public-record.

• Whether the university(s) involved will implement stronger oversight / hostel regulation.

• Expansion of mental health and substance abuse support services across Kenyan universities.

• Updates in NACADA / government policy targeting DSU in tertiary institutions.