NACADA vows to cooperate with Ruto in war against alcohol and drug abuse
By David Nthua, January 1, 2026To all those who have been benefiting from the proceeds of the alcohol menace and drug abuse at large, their days may be numbered, going by what the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has stated.
Through a statement dated January 1, 2026 and shared on X, NACADA, via its chairman, reiterated President William Ruto’s New Year speech and pledged full cooperation in confronting the growing crisis.
NACADA responds to Ruto’s speech
In the statement, NACADA welcomed the President’s address, noting that it clearly underscored the government’s commitment to tackling alcohol and substance abuse as a critical national issue.
The authority said the vice had far-reaching effects on public health, national security, productivity, and social cohesion.
NACADA further affirmed that its board fully aligns with the national direction outlined by the Head of State and vowed to strengthen operational and governance frameworks while enhancing multi-agency cooperation in prevention, enforcement, and public education.
“The President’s New Year’s message reaffirms the Government’s resolve to confront alcohol and drug abuse due to its impact on public health, national security, productivity, and social cohesion.
“The NACADA Board fully aligns with this national direction and reiterates its commitment to ensuring that Kenya becomes a nation free from the harms of alcohol and drug abuse,” the NACADA statement said.
What Ruto said about the crackdown
President William Ruto, speaking during his New Year’s address in Eldoret on December 31, 2025, declared alcohol and drug abuse a national emergency.
“Alcohol and drug abuse have become a clear and present danger to Kenya’s health, security, and economic future,” Ruto said.
He warned that the crisis had silently grown and could no longer be ignored, noting that millions of households were affected.
“One in every six Kenyans aged between 15 and 65, that is over 4.7 million people, is currently using at least one drug or substance of abuse,” the President stated.
According to Ruto, men and young people bear the heaviest burden, with alcohol remaining the most widely abused substance.
He also cautioned that early exposure was worsening the situation. “Initiation often occurs between 16 and 20 years, and in some cases as early as seven,” he said.
Looking ahead, Ruto announced that beginning in 2026, the government would escalate its response and treat alcohol and drug abuse as both a development and security emergency.
“Accordingly, going into the new year, the government will confront alcohol and drug abuse as a national development and security emergency,” he said.
He revealed plans to establish a strengthened Anti-Narcotics Unit within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, with a capacity comparable to the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit and operations across the country.
NACADA said it would work closely with other agencies to support this renewed push, adding that sustained collaboration and stronger policy measures were key to safeguarding Kenyans’ well-being.
The authority concluded by appreciating the President’s leadership, committing its “unwavering commitment” to a healthier nation.