Kenya is advocating for gender-sensitive drug policies at the global forum. Dr. Stephen Mairori emphasized the need for interventions addressing distinct challenges faced by men and women. He announced free rehabilitation services for women and called for ongoing dialogue among policymakers. The event underscored the importance of global cooperation in promoting inclusive drug policies.
Kenya has pledged to incorporate gender-sensitive approaches into drug policies, asserting the necessity of inclusive strategies to tackle the unique challenges faced by men and women. During the 2025 Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) meeting in Vienna, Dr. Stephen Mairori, Head of the Kenyan Delegation, stressed the importance of gender-responsive measures in drug control.
Dr. Mairori pointed out the differences in drug use patterns between genders, emphasizing that while men may use drugs more frequently, women experience more severe consequences from substance abuse. To improve treatment accessibility, existing rehabilitation frameworks must evolve to cater to these gender disparities.
He proposed targeted interventions such as women-only rehabilitation centers that address unique needs, including pregnancy, childcare, and safety concerns. Furthermore, Kenya has revised its National Drug Control Policy to include gender-sensitive strategies that recognize and mitigate the barriers women encounter in accessing treatment.
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has launched free rehabilitation services for women at the Miritini Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Mombasa to increase participation in treatment programs. Dr. Mairori mentioned efforts to eliminate financial barriers and collaborate with local governments to establish gender-specific prevention, rehabilitation, and reintegration programs.
He highlighted the importance of ongoing dialogue between policymakers, researchers, and implementers to incorporate global best practices into national strategies. Dr. Mairori called for all nations to adhere to international guidelines on gender-sensitive drug policies and to enhance partnerships to boost program efficacy.
The session, co-sponsored by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Norway, served as a venue for experts to explore solutions addressing gender disparities in drug policies. He concluded by emphasizing the need to ensure that drug control efforts do not overlook any gender, urging collaboration and policy implementation that meets the diverse requirements of individuals affected by substance abuse.
The event highlighted the significance of global cooperation in advancing inclusive drug policies that meet the needs of both genders, reaffirming Kenya’s role as a leader in promoting gender-sensitive drug control initiatives.
Kenya is actively integrating gender-sensitive strategies into its drug policies to address the unique challenges faced by men and women. By revising its National Drug Control Policy and implementing initiatives like free rehabilitation services for women, Kenya demonstrates a proactive commitment to this cause. Continuous dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders are crucial for effective gender-responsive drug policies, emphasizing the need for all nations to ensure that no gender is left behind in drug control efforts.
Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke
