Need for Curbing Drug Trafficking in Kenya

By Mbunguyu Benson.

Kenya has found itself in the headlines yet again, not for its breathtaking landscapes or athletes' fame but for troubling cases of drug trafficking.

The latest incidents involve a Kenyan woman arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) while attempting to smuggle 1.3 kilograms of cocaine to India. Meanwhile, across the globe, Margaret Nduta faces execution in Vietnam after being convicted of smuggling over two kilograms of heroin. These cases highlight a growing crisis that demands urgent attention.

On May 2, 2025, authorities at JKIA intercepted a 25-year-old Kenyan woman attempting to board a flight to Goa, India. A routine security check led to the discovery of two suspicious smaller bags hidden inside her luggage. Upon further inspection, officers found 1.3 kilograms of cocaine wrapped in yellow sellotape (Kenyans.co.ke, 2025). The suspect was immediately taken into custody, awaiting her court appearance.

The arrested suspect is for drug trafficking.

Kenyan authorities have intensified surveillance at major entry and exit points, but the persistence of such cases suggests that drug syndicates are evolving. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has warned that drug smuggling into India carries severe penalties, including a minimum of ten years imprisonment, fines, and permanent deportation (Standard Media, 2025).

While Kenya grapples with domestic drug trafficking, the case of Margaret Nduta has drawn international attention. Arrested in July 2023, Nduta was found guilty of smuggling over two kilograms of heroin into Vietnam. Despite diplomatic efforts from Kenya, Vietnam’s strict drug laws leave little room for intervention. Nduta was sentenced to death by lethal injection, a method Vietnam adopted in 2011 to replace firing squads (Sky News Kenya, 2025).

Margaret Nduta, a defendant in Vietnam who is accused of drug trafficking.

Her case underscores the harsh reality of drug trafficking in Southeast Asia, where penalties are unforgiving. Kenyan officials have attempted to intervene, but experts believe Vietnam is unlikely to reconsider its stance. Nduta’s story serves as a warning to those lured into the dangerous world of drug smuggling.

These incidents are not isolated. Reports indicate an increasing number of Kenyan women being caught trafficking drugs both locally and internationally (Standard Media, 2025). The rise in cases suggests deeper socio-economic issues at play—unemployment, financial desperation, and exploitation by international drug cartels.

Authorities must address the root causes of this crisis. Strengthening border security, enhancing public awareness, and providing economic opportunities could help curb the trend. Without decisive action, Kenya risks becoming a major hub for drug trafficking, tarnishing its global reputation.

As the world watches, one question runs in the minds of the different demographic people; why always Kenya?