Is Cocaine legal in Kenya?

Legal status

Illegal under the Narcotic Drugs Act No. 4 of 1994 (Cap 245) — possession up to 20 years or fine ≥1,000,000 KSh + life; trafficking life; NO death penalty

Consequences if caught

Cocaine is controlled under the Narcotic Drugs Act No. 4 of 1994. Possession (Section 3) of a drug other than cannabis carries up to 20 years, otherwise a fine of at least 1,000,000 KSh plus life. 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.