STATE HOUSE, Nairobi-President William Ruto has announced a comprehensive, multi-pronged government initiative aimed at combating alcohol and substance abuse, directing the establishment of rehabilitation centres in all 47 counties.
This flagship initiative will be executed in close collaboration with county governments and the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), and is part of a broader strategy that includes bolstering rehabilitation services within national referral hospitals.
The announcement follows a high-level strategic interventions meeting chaired by President Ruto at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday. The meeting, attended by key security and regulatory chiefs, was convened to accelerate the implementation of the President’s commitments outlined in his New Year’s Address, treating alcohol and drug abuse as a critical national development and security threat.
“We will establish rehabilitation centres in all 47 counties, working closely with county governments and NACADA, alongside strengthened rehabilitation services in national referral hospitals,” President Ruto stated.
Dr Ruto further confirmed that the Social Health Authority will play a pivotal role by enhancing insurance cover for treatment and recovery services, integrating this health crisis into the national healthcare framework.
To underpin the operational surge, the government is finalising a relevant legal framework designed to strengthen coordination and accountability across all agencies. Simultaneously, law enforcement will see a significant boost with additional officers being deployed to the Anti-Narcotics Unit, complete with enhanced training and logistical support.
On the enforcement and supply disruption front, the strategy takes a targeted approach. President Ruto revealed that dedicated multi-agency border teams will be deployed at five key entry points to disrupt drug trafficking networks and organised crime. This border clampdown is a critical component of the plan to stem the inflow of illicit substances.
“Our focus remains clear: we will apply a whole-of-government approach, integrating prevention, enforcement, treatment, and recovery, to safeguard our people and national security,” the President emphasised.
The multi-agency forum unanimously agreed on the urgent acceleration of legal, institutional, and operational measures, with a clear triad of focus: Prevention, Enforcement, and Recovery.
The high-profile meeting, also attended by Interior Security Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspectors General Eliud Langat and Gilbert Masengeli, Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Mohammed Amin, NACADA Chair Stephen Mairori, CEO Anthony Omerikwa, and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) Managing Director Esther Ngari.
They reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a “whole-of-government and whole-of-society” approach.
The national coordinated action and mission is geared towards protecting families, securing the country’s socio-economic future, and safeguarding national security.
