President Ruto Launches Nationwide Crackdown On Alcohol And Drug Abuse
News Updated: 07 January 2026 14:38 EAT
President William Ruto during a Strategic Interventions Meeting on Implementation of the President's Proclamation on Alcohol and Drug Control at State House, Nairobi.
President William Samoei Ruto today chaired a multi-agency meeting to accelerate Kenya’s response to alcohol and drug abuse in line with commitments outlined in his New Year Address.
He said the relevant legal framework will be finalised to strengthen coordination and accountability across government as additional officers are being deployed to the Anti-Narcotics Unit, with the requisite training and logistical support.
“We will establish rehabilitation centres in all 47 counties, working closely with county governments and NACADA, alongside strengthened rehabilitation services in national referral hospitals,” Ruto added.
The Social Health Authority will also enhance coverage for treatment and recovery, ensuring Kenyans affected by substance abuse have access to adequate care.
To disrupt drug trafficking and organised crime, multi-agency border teams will be deployed at five key entry points across the country.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government’s crackdown is a response to rising levels of illicit alcohol and drug consumption nationwide.
A multi-agency task team will coordinate efforts to dismantle distribution networks and seize assets acquired through illegal trade.
Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin reaffirmed the force’s commitment to fighting narcotics, warning that officers found complicit in illegal activities will face strict consequences.
NACADA has welcomed the move, endorsing a nationwide, multi-agency approach to prevent and reduce substance abuse across all counties.
Early enforcement operations have already led to arrests of drug and illicit alcohol dealers, highlighting the government’s serious commitment to the crackdown.
Community awareness campaigns are being scaled up, targeting vulnerable groups and promoting prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
President Ruto emphasized that the government’s focus remains clear: a whole-of-government approach integrating prevention, enforcement, treatment, and recovery to safeguard citizens and national security.
Tags: Signsmedia Editor's Pick Nacada Signstvkenya President William Ruto Williiam Ruto
Share this article
FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD