Kenya Advocates for Gender-Sensitive Drug Policies at Global Forum

Kenya has committed to integrating gender-sensitive strategies into drug policies, addressing unique challenges faced by both genders. During a global forum, Dr. Stephen Mairori highlighted the need for gender-responsive drug control measures, announcing free rehabilitation services for women. The revised National Drug Control Policy aims to remove barriers for female treatment access and encourages collaboration to ensure no gender is overlooked in drug response efforts.

Kenya has reiterated its dedication to incorporating gender-sensitive strategies into drug policies, emphasizing the necessity for inclusive interventions addressing the unique challenges experienced by both men and women. During a side event titled “Building Effective Partnerships on Gender and Drug Policy” at the 2025 Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) meeting in Vienna, Dr. Stephen Mairori, Board Chair and Head of the Kenyan Delegation, underscored the significance of gender-responsive drug control measures.

Dr. Mairori discussed the disparities in drug use patterns, recognizing that women often face more severe consequences from substance abuse despite lower usage rates. He stressed the need for rehabilitation frameworks to adapt according to gender-specific differences to improve accessibility and efficacy. “While men are more likely to use drugs, the impact of substance abuse is often more severe for women,” he stated.

In light of this, Kenya is actively addressing these issues. The National Drug Control Policy has been recently revised to include gender-sensitive approaches, recognizing the barriers women encounter in accessing treatment and offering strategies to alleviate these impediments. Dr. Mairori announced the introduction of free rehabilitation services for women at the Miritini Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Mombasa, which aims to enhance female participation in treatment programs.

Recognizing the low uptake of rehabilitation services among female drug users, Dr. Mairori noted, “We recognize the low uptake of rehabilitation services among female drug users, and in response, we are offering free services at Miritini to remove financial barriers.” Collaboration with county governments and stakeholders is also underway to develop gender-specific prevention, rehabilitation, and reintegration programs.

Furthermore, Dr. Mairori called for ongoing discussions among policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to ensure national strategies reflect global best practices. He urged all nations to adhere to international recommendations regarding gender-sensitive drug policies and to strengthen partnerships aimed at improving program effectiveness.

The session, co-hosted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Norwegian government, served as a vital platform for experts to discuss actionable solutions for addressing gender disparities in drug policies. In conclusion, as articulated by Dr. Mairori, “As we move forward, we must ensure no gender is left behind in our drug control efforts.”

Kenya’s commitment to gender-sensitive drug policies is evident as it emphasizes inclusive strategies that address the specific challenges faced by both men and women. By improving rehabilitation services and encouraging collaboration among stakeholders, Kenya is making strides in ensuring equitable access to drug treatment. The initiatives announced by Dr. Mairori reflect a proactive approach towards mitigating gender-specific issues in drug policies, urging for global cooperation to foster effective interventions.

Original Source: www.tv47.digital