(Nairobi) – Smuggling cannabis into Kenya has become alarmingly easy, with 22 well-documented routes facilitating the trade, according to a recent report by the National Crime Research Center (NCRC). The routes span Kenya’s borders with Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania, with Ethiopia alone accounting for 11 pathways. Uganda and Tanzania contribute seven and four routes, respectively.
The smuggling network has evolved sophisticated methods to avoid detection. The report highlights how cannabis is carefully concealed during transit, taking advantage of Kenya’s infrastructure, particularly in regions such as Eastern, Western, Central, and Nyanza, which support the drug’s seamless transportation.
Ethiopian cannabis, popularly known as “Shash,” is primarily trafficked through Moyale, a northern Kenyan border town. From there, the contraband moves along routes such as Moyale-Mandera-Garissa-Mombasa or Moyale-Marsabit-Isiolo-Nairobi. In cases of urgent demand, traffickers favor quicker pathways, such as Moyale-Mandera-Garissa-Thika-Nairobi, ensuring faster delivery to key urban markets.
Nairobi and Mombasa serve as the main destinations for the smuggled cannabis. Nairobi reportedly receives the drugs via over 17 different routes, while Mombasa has 13 identified pathways. These cities are the hub of a well-established distribution network that extends to smaller towns like Turkana, Lodwar, and Kitale.
Cannabis from Tanzania, referred to locally as “Bongo,” enters Kenya through Migori County and Muhuru Bay. It follows routes like Tanzania-Migori-Kisii-Narok-Nairobi-Mombasa or Tanzania-Migori-Kisumu-Eldoret. Similarly, cannabis from Uganda, known as “Banange,” crosses into Kenya through border towns like Busia and Malaba. It also enters via Sio Port on Lake Victoria, feeding into Kisumu, Kericho, Nakuru, and other regions before reaching Nairobi and Mombasa.
The NCRC report emphasizes the adaptability of traffickers. Their networks employ scouts who monitor security situations and alert smugglers to safe or risky passages. These scouts are paid handsomely for their intelligence, ensuring the smuggling operations remain active even under increased surveillance.
“Poorly patrolled borders, high demand, and lucrative markets make cannabis smuggling into Kenya almost effortless,” the report noted, underlining the challenges of controlling the illegal trade.
| Key Smuggling Routes into Kenya | Source Country | Entry Points | Pathways |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethiopian Cannabis (“Shash”) | Ethiopia | Moyale | Moyale-Mandera-Garissa-Mombasa, Moyale-Marsabit-Isiolo-Nairobi |
| Tanzanian Cannabis (“Bongo”) | Tanzania | Migori, Muhuru Bay | Migori-Kisii-Nairobi-Mombasa, Migori-Kisumu-Eldoret |
| Ugandan Cannabis (“Banange”) | Uganda | Busia, Malaba, Sio Port | Sio Port-Kisumu-Kericho-Nairobi-Mombasa |
The ever-changing routes and sophisticated concealment tactics present significant challenges for authorities aiming to curb the trade.