Marijuana Laws
As recorded December 15, 2025 · not verified as current law. Kenya law
Cannabis laws in Nairobi follow Kenya’s national law. Local variations are uncommon—jurisdiction law sets the baseline for legality and penalties.
Cannabis is illegal for recreational and medical purposes. Possession or use can result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment. There is no decriminalization or tolerance policy.
Quick facts
- Recreational: Illegal
- Medical: Not available
- Possession: Criminal penalties
- Buying/Selling: Illegal
- Tourists: Strict enforcement
Practical guidance
Avoid cross-border transport of cannabis products. Do not assume informal tolerance equals legality.
Law Enforcement
Nairobi cops seemed more worried about armed carjackers than potheads, but blowing smoke in their faces would be a bad idea. Around the Nyari police substation I heard bribes talked about as a sliding scale, depending on how rich you looked. A friend paid anywhere from KSh 200 to KSh 15,000, then roughly US$4 to US$250 in the figures I heard. I wouldn’t count on paying to settle things.
Where to Buy Marijuana
Around the shopping complex called The Mall, I heard about weed from people selling animals and people hanging out in the street. It was really cheap.
Few sold it themselves, but plenty knew someone or offered to go get it. Hash was much harder to find. I used to tip for the trouble.
Marijuana Prices
With the people I knew, I could get a pound for about KSh 400, roughly ten dollars then. A joint went for KSh 10 (about ten US cents), or you could get a “stone” for around KSh 500 (then about US$8).
I preferred stones. The ready-rolled joints usually still had seeds and stems in them.
Types of Marijuana
I liked the stuff said to come from Kilimanjaro or Uganda. I stayed away from anything called a “special,” because I’d heard it was dipped in petrol.
More Information
Deals weren’t like back in the States. I’d keep it friendly and tip a little extra, which sometimes meant better bud next time. I wouldn’t go anywhere with a stranger or hand over all my cash before seeing what they brought back. It felt like half the people in Nairobi thought weed was worse than crack and would call the cops, while the other half smoked or knew someone. Enjoy Nairobi. It’s a kickass place.