Kenya has committed to gender-sensitive drug policies at the CND meeting in Vienna, emphasizing inclusive interventions for both men and women. Dr. Stephen Mairori highlighted the need for targeted measures, including women-only rehabilitation centers, and announced the revision of the National Drug Control Policy to incorporate these strategies. The initiative also includes free rehabilitation services for women and stresses continuous dialogue among stakeholders for effective policy implementation.
In Vienna, Austria, on March 11, Kenya has reaffirmed its dedication to incorporating gender-sensitive strategies into drug policies. This commitment was expressed during the side event on “Building Effective Partnerships on Gender and Drug Policy” at the 2025 Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) meeting, where Dr. Stephen Mairori, the Board Chair and Head of the Kenyan Delegation, emphasized the need for inclusive approaches that confront the specific challenges encountered by both men and women.
Dr. Mairori pointed out the crucial disparities in drug usage between genders, arguing that the adverse effects of substance abuse are disproportionately more severe for women. He advocated for rehabilitation frameworks to adjust accordingly, thereby improving accessibility and efficacy in treatment programs that address these gender differences.
Highlighting the need for targeted interventions, Dr. Mairori stated, “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.”
In a bid to confront these issues, Kenya has recently revised its National Drug Control Policy to include gender-sensitive measures. This updated policy recognizes the challenges women face in attaining treatment and incorporates strategies to alleviate these obstacles.
Additionally, Dr. Mairori announced that the National Authority for Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has initiated free rehabilitation services for women at the Miritini Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Mombasa, aimed at increasing engagement in treatment programs. “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,” he elaborated.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of ongoing dialogue among policymakers, researchers, and implementers to align global best practices with national strategies. Dr. Mairori urged all nations to adhere to international recommendations for gender-sensitive drug policies and to collaborate in a manner that enhances the effectiveness of these programs.
The event, co-sponsored by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Norwegian government, provided a platform for experts to explore actionable solutions to the gender disparities evident in drug policy frameworks. Dr. Mairori concluded with a call to action: “As we move forward, we must ensure no gender is left behind in our drug control efforts. Let us build networks, foster collaboration, and implement policies that truly address the diverse needs of all individuals affected by substance abuse.”
This session reinforced the significance of global cooperation in advancing inclusive drug policies tailored to the unique requirements of both men and women, highlighting Kenya’s leading role in advocating for gender-sensitive approaches to drug control.
In summary, Kenya has demonstrated its commitment to gender-sensitive drug policies by advocating for the integration of inclusive measures in drug rehabilitation and prevention strategies. The revised National Drug Control Policy acknowledges the specific challenges faced by women and provides solutions to enhance access to treatment. Through initiatives like free rehabilitation services, Kenya aims to boost female participation in such programs. Ultimately, the collaborative efforts to adopt gender-sensitive approaches underline the crucial need for global cooperation in effectively addressing substance abuse issues.
Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke
