- Education stakeholders have raised alarm over rising drug and alcohol abuse among learners and teachers in Rift Valley schools.
- Authorities have recorded90 cases of school unrest linked partly to substance abuse by mid-2026.
- The Government has launched a multi-agency approach, including tougher enforcement against bars near schools and expanded counselling and rehabilitation services.
Education stakeholders in the Rift Valley have raised alarm over the growing abuse of alcohol and other drugs among learners, warning that the vice is contributing to poor academic performance, indiscipline, ill-health and unrest in schools.
Basic Education Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa said 90 cases of school unrest had been recorded in the Rift Valley by mid-2026, with substance abuse emerging as one of the key factors linked to indiscipline and criminal behaviour among learners.
Stakeholders said the availability of alcohol and other drugs near learning institutions was aggravating the problem, with residents in some counties, including Bomet, accusing bar operators of flouting regulations by operating close to schools.
They called for stricter enforcement of regulations prohibiting bars from operating within 150 metres of learning institutions.
The stakeholders also linked substance abuse to declining academic performance, noting that learners who misuse drugs often suffer memory impairment, reduced concentration and diminished cognitive abilities. School heads and administrators have reported cases of absenteeism, hostility, rudeness, violence and destruction of school property, including arson, among learners suspected of abusing drugs. Alcohol, cigarettes and other tobacco products, khat (miraa) and cannabis (bhang) are among the substances reported to be commonly abused by students.
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The concerns have also extended to teachers, with officials warning that educators battling alcohol and drug addiction risk undermining their role as mentors and role models. Head of Public Service Felix Koskei said a significant number of teachers had fallen into alcohol and drug abuse, despite efforts by the Teachers Service Commission to support affected educators through rehabilitation and treatment programmes.
“We have observed that there is quite a number of our teachers who have fallen into the trap of alcohol and drug abuse and have really sunk into this problem,” Koskei said, adding that some teachers continued to relapse despite receiving professional help. “However much TSC is trying to take them to rehabilitation centres and offer treatment, there are some who continue to fall back into that space,” he said.
Koskei urged teachers struggling with addiction to seek help and avoid behaviour that could compromise their professional responsibilities. “We ask, and we beg of you, please get out of it. Alcohol and drug abuse destroys not only yourself but your family, the community you live in and by extension the Republic,” he said. He also cautioned teachers against reporting to school while intoxicated, reminding them that their conduct could influence learners. “If you are drinking, please do not drink and go to school. You are role models. All those children look up to you and they may copy what is not right for their lives in future,” he said.
The Head of Public Service, however, said alcohol and drug abuse among teachers should be viewed within the wider social challenges facing communities rather than being treated as a problem unique to the teaching profession.
Authorities are now pursuing a multi-agency approach to tackle drug abuse in learning institutions. The interventions include engaging student leadership networks in TVET institutions and universities to promote peer awareness, intelligence-sharing and prevention initiatives. Government agencies are also planning tougher enforcement against bars operating near schools, with the National Police Service and county administration officials expected to lead the crackdown.
Education authorities are meanwhile pushing for stronger counselling services, improved school governance and the establishment of rehabilitation facilities to help learners affected by substance abuse. Stakeholders said early intervention was critical, warning that continued drug use among young people could have long-term consequences on their education, health and future prospects.
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Koskei also praised teachers for continuing to serve despite challenges facing many schools. “We acknowledge and commend all teachers across the country, head teachers, deputy head teachers, senior teachers and classroom teachers, for the tireless and patriotic work they do in moulding our children,” he said, acknowledging that many work in difficult conditions. “Some schools lack proper infrastructure, offices or adequate facilities, yet you continue to serve diligently,” he said.
Koskei said the Government had taken steps to strengthen the education sector, including recruiting more than 100,000 teachers over the past three years and investing in school infrastructure. However, stakeholders warned that this investment would have limited impact unless the growing problem of alcohol and drug abuse among both learners and educators was addressed. They called for closer cooperation between schools, parents, communities, security agencies and government departments to prevent drugs from reaching learners and to provide support to those already affected.
By Kimutai Langat
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