NAIROBI, Kenya – The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) has endorsed President William Ruto’s renewed war on substance abuse, following his New Year’s address that elevated alcohol and drug addiction to a top national priority for 2026.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Nacada Board chairperson Stephen Mairori welcomed the President’s firm stance, saying the authority fully supports the government’s intensified crackdown and prevention strategy aimed at reversing what Ruto described as a growing national crisis.
“The President’s address strongly aligns with Nacada’s mandate on prevention, rehabilitation and coordinated action against alcohol and drug abuse,” Mairori said, pledging closer collaboration with national and county governments, security agencies and civil society.
Speaking from Eldoret State Lodge on December 31, President Ruto declared alcohol and drug abuse a national emergency, warning that the crisis threatens public health, national security, productivity and the country’s social fabric.
Citing official data, the President said one in six Kenyans aged between 15 and 65 uses at least one substance of abuse, translating to more than 4.7 million people, with many initiating harmful use in their teenage years.
“This crisis demands decisive national action,” Ruto said, unveiling a multi-pronged strategy anchored on enforcement, prevention and enhanced inter-agency cooperation.
A key pillar of the plan is the strengthening of the Anti-Narcotics Unit within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), which will be upgraded to match the operational capacity of the elite Anti-Terrorism Police Unit.
Under the new framework, the unit’s staffing will increase from 200 to 700 officers, supported by advanced surveillance, intelligence, forensic and financial investigation tools to dismantle drug trafficking syndicates and illicit alcohol networks.
The President also announced a tougher asset recovery regime, saying narcotics and illicit alcohol investigations will prioritise asset tracing, seizure and forfeiture, with proceeds redirected to rehabilitation, treatment and prevention programmes.
Ruto issued a stern warning to rogue officials, vowing that any government or security officer found colluding with traffickers will be prosecuted and dismissed.
In its response, Nacada said it will reinforce its operational and governance structures in line with the President’s vision, while scaling up public education, prevention and community-based interventions.
“Through stronger policy measures, coordinated action and sustained collaboration, Nacada remains resolute in safeguarding the well-being of all Kenyans,” Mairori said.
The authority also praised President Ruto’s leadership and pledged “unwavering commitment” to the realisation of a healthier, drug-free nation.
Ruto’s declaration of 2026 as a year of accountability and intensified action against substance abuse marks a significant policy shift—one that Nacada and its partners say they are ready to fully support in the months ahead.
