19 major routes frequently utilized for the trafficking of cannabis into Kenya.

A detailed report has mapped out 19 key cannabis trafficking routes in Kenya, organized into three categories: Ethiopian routes, Tanzanian routes, and Ugandan routes. All of these routes lead to major cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa, and other urban centers within the country.

The study reveals that traffickers continually adapt their routes to avoid police detection, frequently shifting paths and establishing new routes along major transport corridors. Some rely on “panya routes”—hidden, unmanned paths—through highways, lakes, and forests.

“Cannabis trafficking routes are non-linear, with traffickers utilizing a network of well-paid informers and spies to conduct surveillance along major highways and roads,” stated a police officer from Mombasa who specializes in narcotics. “This network allows for smooth cannabis movement, enabling traffickers to evade law enforcement.”

The security implications are serious, highlighting the need for intensified intelligence gathering and rapid-response surveillance across the country. The traffickers’ network incorporates sophisticated surveillance technology, with informers who assess risks and update traffickers on police presence along the routes.

One police officer from Nakuru County shared an example of traffickers evading detection: “I once received intelligence that bhang was being transported from Moyale to Nairobi. To avoid detection, traffickers used the Bute route to Garissa, then went from Garissa to Thika, through Kamwangi forest road to Nakuru, and were en route to Nairobi when we intercepted and arrested them.”

In response to the complex network of trafficking routes, Kenyan law enforcement has intensified its intelligence operations, surveillance, and set up impromptu checkpoints on highways and secondary roads. “This is why we increase our surveillance and sometimes set up unannounced roadblocks and checks on highways and feeder roads nationwide,” emphasized the Mombasa-based officer.

However, traffickers’ adaptive strategies—like relying on informers and “panya routes”—continue to challenge efforts to fully curb the flow of cannabis. As trafficking routes shift in response to real-time intelligence, law enforcement remains in a continuous battle to stay ahead.

Cannabis Trafficking Routes

Ethiopian Routes

Routes from Ethiopia primarily enter Kenya through Moyale and lead to urban areas with various detours:

1. Ethiopia – Moyale – Mandera – Garissa – Mombasa
2. Ethiopia – Moyale – Marsabit – Isiolo – Meru/Nairobi
3. Ethiopia – Moyale – Garissa – Thika – Nakuru – Nairobi/Mombasa
4. Ethiopia – Marsabit – Great North Road/Mandera – Wajir – Garissa – Nairobi – Mombasa
5. Ethiopia – Moyale – Mandera – Garissa – Thika – Nairobi
6. Ethiopia – Marsabit – Lake Turkana – Lodwar – Kitale
7. Ethiopia – Forole – Kargi – Wamba – Maralal – Nyahururu – Nairobi
8. Ethiopia – Moyale – Brum – Shur – Marki – Isiolo – Maua – Meru

Tanzanian Routes

Routes from Tanzania, mainly originating from Migori and the Lake Victoria region, pass through rural roads in western Kenya, connecting to major urban centers:

1. Tanzania – Migori – Kisii – Narok – Ntulele – Mai Mahiu – Naivasha – Nairobi/Mombasa
2. Tanzania – Migori – Oyugis – Kisumu – Eldoret
3. Tanzania – Migori – Kisii – Kericho – Nakuru – Naivasha – Nairobi – Mombasa
4. Tanzania – Muhuru Bay (Lake Victoria) – Migori – Rongo – Kisii – Narok – Naivasha – Nairobi/Mombasa

Ugandan Routes

Routes from Uganda enter through Busia and Malaba, leveraging main highways and lake access points:

1. Uganda – Busia/Malaba – Kisumu – Kericho – Nakuru – Nairobi – Southern Bypass Mlolongo – Mombasa
2. Uganda – Malaba – Bungoma – Kiminini – Eldoret – Nairobi
3. Uganda – Busia/Malaba – Kisumu – Chepilat – Kaplong – Narok – Nairobi/Mombasa
4. Uganda – Busia/Malaba – Kisumu – Kericho – Nakuru – Nairobi – Mlolongo – Mariakani – Kilifi – Lamu
5. Uganda – Busia/Malaba – Kisumu – Kericho – Nakuru – Nairobi – Mombasa
6. Uganda – Sio Port – Busia (Lake Victoria) – Kisumu – Kericho – Nakuru – Nairobi – Mombasa
7. Uganda – Migingo Island (Lake Victoria) – Mbita – Homa Bay – Kisii – Narok – Nairobi/Mombasa