President William Ruto has unveiled an expansive national strategy to confront alcohol and drug abuse, describing the crisis as a major threat to Kenya’s health, security, and economic future and pledging decisive government action beginning in 2026. “Alcohol and drug abuse have become a clear and present danger to Kenya’s health, security, and economic future,” Ruto said, adding that the problem could no longer be treated as a marginal social issue. Ruto said alcohol remained the most widely used substance, with more than 3.2 million current users nationwide. To address the crisis, the President said the government would treat alcohol and drug abuse as a national development and security emergency. “We will establish a strengthened Anti-Narcotics Unit within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, with operational capacity comparable to the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit,” Ruto said.

Source: The Star December 31, 2025 20:23 UTC