Government Moves to Tighten Alcohol and Drug Control as Ruto Chairs State House Meeting
A rehabilitation centre should be set up in all the 47 counties for treating and recovering purposes and working closely with NACADA and county governments.
President William Ruto. Photo/Courtesy.
By Ruth Sang
The government announced the initiation of more vigorous efforts aimed at curbing alcohol and drug abuse, coming after a strategic meeting led by President William Ruto at the State House in Nairobi on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by top government officials and heads of security to devise a coordinated national response against substance abuse and its accompanying security threats.
As for the priorities listed in his New Year Address of 2026, President Ruto directed all relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to accelerate the enactments of operational laws and legislative frameworks to stop the spread and impact of alcohol and drug abuse. He described the problem as a significant danger to national development, public safety, and social stability.
The meeting resolved to put in place the required legal framework within 10 days with a view to facing inter-agency coordination and enhancing enforcement and accountability of all institutions engaged in the implementation of alcohol and drug control measures.
His Excellency Ruto emphasized that enforcement efforts should run in parallel with prevention and recovery systems. The government, he declared, was devoted to a holistic approach of addressing the causes of substance abuse while ensuring appropriate treatment and rehabilitative therapies for affected individuals.
Others present were Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspectors-General Eliud Lang’at and Gilbert Masengeli, DCI Director Mohammed Amin. Also in attendance were officials from NACADA and Kenya Bureau of Standards Managing Director Esther Ngari.
Inspector-General Kanja confirmed that officers have been selected for deployment to the Anti-Narcotics Unit in order to amplify efforts against drug trafficking activites. He said that the unit has, in fact, already been outfitted with vehicles, equipment, and logistical support to enhance fully operational capability.
A rehabilitation centre should be set up in all the country’s 47 counties for treating and recovering purposes and working closely with NACADA and county governments. National referral hospitals will also play a central role in giving specialised care to those with addiction problems.
Also, the Social Health Authority (SHA) aims to improve financing and coverage for treating substance abuse. The endeavour sought to strengthen referral pathways and enhance recovery prospects for affected individuals while ensuring costs do not obstruct care.
In what would amount to the eradication of drug-trafficking networks, the President ordered the formation of multi-agency teams at five strategic border points. The teams will focus on enhanced surveillance, intelligence-led operations, and joint enforcement to counter organized crime and cross-boundary drug flows.
President Ruto then reiterated the commitment of the government to a united, all-of-government approach for prevention, enforcement, treatment, and rehabilitation. He said this calls for sustained collaboration across agencies to protect communities, strengthen security, and guarantee the long-term social and economic development of Kenya.
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