Nairobi County Sounds Alarm Over Teenagers Abusing Dangerous “Whites” and “Blues” Drugs
Parents in Nairobi have been urged to stay alert after reports emerged of teenagers abusing a restricted prescription drug known among youth as “whites” or “blues.”
In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, September 6, Nairobi City County’s Environment Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria warned that the substance—meant strictly for mental health treatment under medical supervision—is now being misused by young people. The warning comes amid growing concern over the rise of prescription drug abuse among Kenyan teens.
Highly Addictive and Harmful
Mosiria described the drug as highly addictive and extremely harmful, saying it can cause severe hallucinations, disorientation and, in some cases, leave young people in a “zombie-like” state depending on the quantity taken.
“As the Chief Officer for Environment, I wish to caution parents and guardians to be extra vigilant about the well-being of their children. A dangerous drug, commonly referred to as ‘whites’ or ‘blues’, is now finding its way into the hands of young people,” Mosiria said.
He added that he has personally witnessed many young people on the streets already affected by the drug, calling the trend “deeply worrying” for families and communities.
Restricted but Sold Secretly
The Nairobi official clarified that the drug is restricted and should only be used under prescription in mental health facilities. Its misuse, he stressed, poses “a grave danger to the health and future of our youth.”
Mosiria alleged that some of the drugs are being sold secretly in pharmacies to teenagers without a prescription despite being intended only for patients with mental health conditions. This black-market access has made it easier for teenagers to experiment with or abuse the drug, raising fears of a new wave of substance addiction.
County Partners With NACADA
According to Mosiria, the Nairobi County Government is working with the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) and other agencies to stop the spread of the substance. He said the collaboration would include public awareness campaigns, enforcement operations and increased monitoring of retail chemists suspected of selling prescription drugs to minors.
He also called on the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB)—the national regulator for pharmaceuticals—to inspect pharmacies and tighten rules governing access to the drug to prevent misuse.
“It is important to understand that this drug is restricted and is only meant for use under strict prescription by authorised medical professionals in mental health facilities. Its misuse poses a grave danger to the health and future of our youth,” Mosiria stressed.
Parents Urged to Watch for Warning Signs
Mosiria appealed to parents and guardians to closely monitor their children for sudden changes in behaviour, including hallucinations, disorientation, abnormal conduct or unexplained drowsiness.
“I therefore appeal to all parents and guardians: Monitor your children closely and be alert to sudden changes in their behaviour and seek immediate medical attention if you notice signs such as hallucinations or abnormal conduct. Let us all remain vigilant and work together to protect our children and safeguard the future of our generation,” he said.
Health experts say early intervention is key to preventing long-term addiction. Parents are advised to have open conversations with their teenagers about the dangers of experimenting with prescription drugs and to seek professional help if they suspect substance abuse.
Growing Trend of Prescription Drug Abuse
Kenya has seen a rise in the abuse of prescription medications over the past decade, especially among young people in urban centres. According to NACADA surveys, a significant number of secondary school students have tried prescription or over-the-counter medicines for recreational purposes, often unaware of the risks.
Drugs such as cough syrups containing codeine, painkillers with opioids, and sedatives have been widely misused. The newly highlighted “whites” and “blues” appear to be part of this growing category of substances misused for their mind-altering effects.
Health Risks and Long-Term Consequences
Medical professionals warn that misuse of psychiatric medications can lead to severe side effects including hallucinations, memory loss, respiratory depression, and even organ damage. Long-term abuse can cause irreversible brain changes and addiction that may require inpatient treatment.
Because these drugs are designed for patients with diagnosed mental health conditions, the dosage and side-effect profile can be much more potent in healthy adolescents, making unprescribed use particularly dangerous.
Call for Tighter Regulation
Public health advocates say the latest warning underscores the need for tighter regulation of pharmacies, especially in informal settlements and peri-urban areas where enforcement is weaker. They have urged the Pharmacy and Poisons Board to strengthen inspection teams, revoke licences of offending chemists and increase public education on the risks of misusing prescription medication.
Legal experts also note that under Kenya’s Pharmacy and Poisons Act, it is an offence to supply prescription-only drugs without a valid prescription, punishable by fines or imprisonment.
Community and School Involvement
Besides government crackdowns, analysts recommend a multi-pronged approach that involves schools, churches and community organisations. By raising awareness at the grassroots, young people can be informed about the dangers of “whites” and “blues” before experimenting with them.
Schools can also partner with NACADA to host anti-drug abuse clubs, while parents can form support networks to share information and resources.
Looking Ahead
Mosiria’s warning is one of the most high-profile alerts issued by Nairobi County this year on youth drug abuse. It reflects growing anxiety about a potential public health crisis if prescription drug misuse among teenagers is not addressed quickly.
County officials say they will continue to work with national agencies to trace the supply chain of “whites” and “blues,” prosecute illegal distributors and roll out more robust education campaigns for parents and youth.