Harm Reduction Society Kenya Pushes Science Over Stigma at LSK Conference

By Steve El Sabai
The Harm Reduction Society Kenya (HRSK), under the visionary leadership of its Founder and Secretary General Dr. Kariuki Ndung’u, is making a strong mark at the ongoing Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Annual Conference. The organization is seizing this national platform to advocate for evidence based approaches to some of Kenya’s most pressing public health concerns.
HRSK operates on a simple but powerful principle of replacing stigma with science. The society’s work spans harm reduction in alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, and pesticide use. At the conference, its team is engaging legal practitioners, policymakers, and civil society representatives in constructive conversations on safer alternatives and interventions that save lives without criminalizing users.
“Harm reduction is not about encouraging harmful behaviour, it is about acknowledging reality and taking scientifically proven steps to minimize risks,” Dr. Ndung’u explained. “Whether it is providing safer tobacco alternatives, promoting responsible alcohol consumption, or educating communities on pesticide safety, our mission is to protect lives.”
The LSK Conference, which has brought together hundreds of delegates from across the country, offers HRSK a rare opportunity to bridge the gap between science, policy, and law. By working with the legal fraternity, the society aims to shape frameworks that safeguard public health while upholding human rights.
HRSK’s focus on what Dr. Ndung’u calls Kenya’s silent killers reflects its commitment to prevention over punishment. Rather than approaching public health crises with judgment, the organization champions strategies that are rooted in evidence, practicality, and compassion.
Through targeted research, persistent advocacy, and community awareness initiatives, the society is pushing for policies that strike a balance between health, safety, and social justice. Their vision is clear, a Kenya where public health strategies are informed by data, driven by compassion, and effective in protecting the most vulnerable.
As the conference progresses, HRSK’s presence stands as a reminder that the fight for better public health outcomes is not won in isolation. It requires collaboration, informed dialogue, and the courage to move past outdated stigmas. In leading this charge, Dr. Kariuki Ndung’u and his team are proving that science led solutions can chart the path to a healthier nation.