Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced a plan to establish at least one public rehabilitation centre in every county in Kenya within the next year. Each facility is expected to cost an estimated Sh60 million. The initiative aims to tackle addiction and its effects on communities. Kindiki made the announcement in Karen, Nairobi, on Tuesday, emphasizing the government's commitment to addressing the issue.
The national and county governments will work together to build and run the rehabilitation centres. This move is part of a broader effort to intensify the fight against illicit alcohol and drug abuse through intelligence-led multi-agency operations. These operations will target cartels, illegal supply networks, and unlicensed manufacturers. The government aims to protect public health and secure the nation for present and future generations.
Kindiki also announced that the government is providing additional resources and equipment to security and regulatory agencies. This support is intended to strengthen enforcement against illicit alcohol and drugs. He attributed some of the progress made over the past year to efforts to motivate village elders through a monthly stipend and the establishment of the National Government Administration Unit (NGAPU).
The Deputy President directed enforcement and regulatory agencies to re-inspect manufacturing premises. This move aims to establish whether they are currently complying with applicable standards and regulations. Kindiki also directed Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to convene a sector forum within 14 days. The forum will focus on the licensing and control of alcohol trade and consumption.
The sector forum will also develop a framework for establishing and running rehabilitation services. Additionally, a Special Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) meeting will be convened within the next month. This meeting will step up government action over the effects of alcohol and drug trade and addiction on the economy. Kindiki held the meeting with Murkomen, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, and heads of regulatory and enforcement agencies.
According to the Ministry of Interior, 760 suspects were arrested between January and August 2026 during operations targeting drug and substance abuse. Authorities also seized or destroyed significant quantities of illicit substances, including 2,742,950 litres of illicit alcohol and 13,879.081kg of cannabis. Police and anti-narcotics officers also seized various amounts of heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
The government has made progress in its efforts to combat illicit alcohol and drug abuse. Twenty-one cases are currently before the courts, with two convictions secured. The government continues to sustain the war against illicit alcohol and drug abuse. Key initiatives include the establishment of public rehabilitation centres, intelligence-led multi-agency operations, and the provision of additional resources to security and regulatory agencies.
Key points
- The Kenyan government plans to establish at least one public rehabilitation centre in every county within the next year.
- The government will intensify the fight against illicit alcohol and drug abuse through intelligence-led multi-agency operations.
- The initiative aims to tackle addiction and its effects on communities, with each facility expected to cost an estimated Sh60 million.
