NACADA Backs Ruto’s Tough New Year Stance on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Crisis

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has welcomed President William Ruto’s New Year address, describing it as a clear and timely reaffirmation of the Government’s commitment to tackling alcohol and substance abuse as a critical national challenge.

In a statement signed by NACADA Board Chair Bishop Dr. Stephen K. Mairori, EBS, the authority said the President’s message strongly aligns with its mandate to safeguard public health, national productivity, security, and social cohesion.

NACADA noted that the President’s remarks elevate alcohol and drug abuse from a social concern to a national emergency that requires coordinated, sustained action across government and society.

The Board reaffirmed its full support for the Government’s renewed resolve, pledging to strengthen its operational and governance frameworks in line with the concerns raised by the Head of State.

NACADA said it would intensify multi-agency cooperation to reinforce prevention, enforcement, treatment, and public education initiatives aimed at reducing the devastating impact of substance abuse.

President Ruto, in his address to the nation, warned that alcohol and drug abuse had reached alarming levels, threatening Kenya’s health, security, and economic future.

He cited official data showing that more than 4.7 million Kenyans aged between 15 and 65—about one in every six people in that age bracket—currently use at least one substance of abuse.

The President noted that the crisis disproportionately affects men and young adults, who form the backbone of the country’s workforce.

According to the President, one in every three Kenyan men in this age group uses drugs or alcohol, while one in five young adults aged between 25 and 35 is affected.

Alcohol remains the most commonly used substance, with over 3.2 million current users nationwide.

He also expressed grave concern about early initiation, warning that substance use often begins between the ages of 16 and 20, and in some cases as early as seven years old, exposing children to long-term harm.

To confront the crisis, President Ruto announced that the Government would treat alcohol and drug abuse as a national development and security emergency from 2026.

A key pillar of the strategy is the establishment of a strengthened Anti-Narcotics Unit within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, with operational capacity comparable to the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit.

The unit’s personnel will be increased from 200 to 700 officers and equipped with modern surveillance, intelligence, forensic, and financial investigation tools.

NACADA welcomed the proposed reforms, noting that the enhanced Anti-Narcotics Unit will work closely with the authority, the National Intelligence Service, border agencies, county governments, and international partners to disrupt supply chains and protect communities.

The Authority reiterated its unwavering commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders to implement stronger policies and coordinated interventions that will ultimately secure a healthier, safer nation.

NACADA also commended President Ruto’s leadership and goodwill, expressing confidence that the renewed national focus will accelerate progress toward a Kenya free from the harms of alcohol and drug abuse.