Is Cannabis / THC legal in Kenya?

Legal status

Illegal under the Narcotic Drugs Act No. 4 of 1994 (Cap 245) — personal-use possession up to 10 years (other purpose up to 20); NO decriminalization carve-out; trafficking life

Consequences if caught

Cannabis possession is an offence under Section 3: possession for personal use (the accused must satisfy the court it was personal) carries up to 10 years; possession for another purpose up to 20 years. There is NO general personal-use decriminalization carve-out. Trafficking (Sec 4) carries a fine of at least 1,000,000 KSh plus life. The 2022 amendment added tiered quantity penalties: 1–100 g of narcotics carries a minimum 30,000,000 KSh fine plus at least 30 years; more than 100 g a minimum 50,000,000 KSh fine plus up to 50 years. Kenya has NO death penalty for drug offences (maximum is life).

If prescribed or medical

Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.

Documentation

Kenya has a strict drug regime under the Narcotic Drugs Act No. 4 of 1994 (Cap 245, amended 2022) with NO general personal-use decriminalization. The 2022 amendment added tiered quantity penalties: 1–100 g of narcotics → a minimum 30,000,000 KSh fine plus at least 30 years; more than 100 g → a minimum 50,000,000 KSh fine plus up to 50 years. Khat (miraa/muguka) is LEGAL — the 2022 amendment exempts cathinone/cathine when contained in khat, a major cash crop. Kenya has NO death penalty (maximum is life). Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Kenya’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.