Khat Use Prevalence and Human Security: Examining the Nexus in Wajir County, Kenya

Wajir County faces persistent human security threats driven by marginalization, terrorism, and poverty, yet limited research links this to rising khat (miraa) use. This study examined the nexus between khat use prevalence and human security in Wajir County, using the Social Learning and Human Security theories within a convergent-parallel mixed-methods design. Data were collected from 398 male adults, 12 Key Informants and eight women’s focus groups through questionnaires, interviews, and discussions. Findings show that khat use in Wajir is highly prevalent and normalized, with over half of the respondents reporting long-term use, largely driven by cultural traditions, peer influence, and socio-economic hardship. Early initiation, escalating consumption poly-substance use, and weak community or institutional resistance, were identified as key factors undermining human security by eroding family stability, economic productivity, and community cohesion. Based on the findings, this study concludes that khat use’s normalization in Wajir County undermines human security by eroding economic stability, compromising health and personal safety, and weakening community resilience. The study recommends that the County Government of Wajir, NACADA and local NGOs, implement targeted youth mentorship and peer support programmes to mitigate peer pressure and reduce khat abuse, particularly among vulnerable youth. Furthermore, both County and national governments should develop and enforce comprehensive policies to monitor and regulate khat consumption in high prevalence areas such as Wajir North and Wajir South sub-counties.