Serious action against Kenya's drug trade is unlikely

Subject

Kenyan drug trade.

Significance

Kenya is a major conduit on the illegal drug trade routes from Afghanistan (heroin) and Latin America (cocaine) to Europe and North America. Efforts to control the trade are hampered by a lack of political will, weak institutions and endemic corruption, as well as a global policy response that has shown remarkably little success over the past four decades.

Impacts

• The trade risks establishing powerful, well-resourced and criminal gangs, with consequences for local crime and violence.
• The extent of corruption and money laundering makes channeling illegal proceeds to political campaigns to gain influence more likely.
• While Kenya plays a trafficking role, local drug usage is likely to increase, fuelling crime and public health problems.