President William Ruto has announced the formation of a specialized paramilitary anti-narcotics force as part of an intensified national campaign to dismantle drug cartels and fight alcohol abuse across Kenya. The new force will be deployed to the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) in a bid to bolster enforcement against drug barons and related criminal networks.
The decision was made during a high-level multi-agency security meeting at State House, Nairobi, on January 7, 2026, which was chaired by President Ruto. Key government officials in attendance included Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, and Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja, among others.
According to Inspector General Kanja, a paramilitary unit has already been identified and will undergo specialized training to support the Anti-Narcotics Unit. The resources needed for their training have been secured, ensuring they are ready for deployment in the ongoing war against drugs.
In addition to the formation of the new anti-narcotics SWAT team, President Ruto directed the creation of a legal framework within ten days. This framework will aim to improve coordination across government agencies, enhance enforcement efforts, and hold individuals accountable within the anti-narcotics operations. The Office of the Attorney General, working closely with the Ministry of Interior, will be responsible for drafting the legislation designed to disrupt drug trafficking and organized crime networks.
As part of a holistic approach to the crisis, President Ruto also instructed the establishment of rehabilitation centers in each of Kenya’s 47 counties. These facilities will offer support to individuals affected by substance abuse, with the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) tasked with overseeing their implementation and ensuring that they are fully operational.
Furthermore, the Social Health Authority has been given the responsibility to enhance rehabilitation services by providing financial support for treatment, improving referral pathways, and focusing on better recovery outcomes for those affected by drug and alcohol addiction.
This comprehensive plan aims to address the growing problem of drug abuse and trafficking in Kenya, with a particular focus on ensuring that those who fall victim to addiction have access to treatment and rehabilitation. The government’s new anti-narcotics initiative is part of a broader strategy to restore safety and reduce the influence of criminal organizations on Kenyan society.
The move has been welcomed by many as a necessary step in tackling the widespread drug issue that continues to plague communities across the country.
