Is Hemp Legal in Kenya?

Last reviewed: August 6, 2026.

Industrial hemp is illegal in Kenya. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act makes no distinction between drug-type cannabis and low-THC industrial hemp, so cultivation of any Cannabis sativa is criminal under Section 3.

The Ministry of Agriculture has not opened a hemp pilot, and the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) has not registered hemp seed varieties. The Anti-Counterfeit Authority and Kenya Revenue Authority Customs treat imports of hemp seed, hemp protein, and hempseed oil as restricted; commercial-scale shipments are routinely seized although small personal-use quantities sometimes pass with discretionary release. Unlicensed cultivation attracts the same penalties as cannabis, with KSh 1 million fines and up to ten years imprisonment.

Industry stakeholders, including the Kenya Industrial Hemp Association, have lobbied for a regulatory framework based on the South African and Rwandan models, and the Ministry of Agriculture commissioned a 2021 feasibility study, but no statute has been enacted as of 2026.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current law with qualified counsel before making compliance decisions.