This week, as the world focuses on matters of drug abuse and substance use prevention, Kenya cannot ignore the silent link between alcohol, drugs, and Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Behind many closed doors in our estates, villages, and even gated communities, substance abuse is fueling violence that destroys families.
According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS 2022), about 34% of ever-married women aged 15–49 have experienced physical violence, and many reported that the violence often occurred when their partner was under the influence of alcohol.
The survey also shows that around 1 in 3 women whose husbands frequently get drunk report higher rates of physical, emotional, or sexual violence compared to those whose partners do not drink. NACADA reports that over 12% of Kenyans aged 15–65 abuse alcohol, while thousands struggle with bhang, miraa misuse, cocaine, heroin, and prescription drug abuse. In many police and hospital reports, alcohol is repeatedly mentioned as a contributing factor in assault and domestic violence cases.
These are not just statistics. These are mothers in Mathare, daughters in Kisumu, wives in Mombasa, husbands in Nakuru, and young people in informal settlements caught in cycles of trauma.
Impaired Judgment – Drug use clouds decision-making, making perpetrators more likely to engage in risky and violent behavior.
Economic Strain – Money meant for food, school fees, or rent ends up in wines & spirits shops, leading to conflict at home.
Normalization of Violence – “Alikuwa amelewa” becomes an excuse instead of accountability.
But let’s be clear:
Alcohol and drugs do not cause GBV — they increase the likelihood and severity of violence. Violence is still a choice.
According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS 2022), about 34% of ever-married women aged 15–49 have experienced physical violence, and many reported that the violence often occurred when their partner was under the influence of alcohol.
The survey also shows that around 1 in 3 women whose husbands frequently get drunk report higher rates of physical, emotional, or sexual violence compared to those whose partners do not drink. NACADA reports that over 12% of Kenyans aged 15–65 abuse alcohol, while thousands struggle with bhang, miraa misuse, cocaine, heroin, and prescription drug abuse. In many police and hospital reports, alcohol is repeatedly mentioned as a contributing factor in assault and domestic violence cases.
These are not just statistics. These are mothers in Mathare, daughters in Kisumu, wives in Mombasa, husbands in Nakuru, and young people in informal settlements caught in cycles of trauma.
How Alcohol and Drugs Fuel GBV
Lowered Inhibition – Alcohol reduces self-control and increases aggression. Small arguments turn into physical fights.Impaired Judgment – Drug use clouds decision-making, making perpetrators more likely to engage in risky and violent behavior.
Economic Strain – Money meant for food, school fees, or rent ends up in wines & spirits shops, leading to conflict at home.
Normalization of Violence – “Alikuwa amelewa” becomes an excuse instead of accountability.
But let’s be clear:
Alcohol and drugs do not cause GBV — they increase the likelihood and severity of violence. Violence is still a choice.
