The government will establish at least one public rehabilitation centre in every county as part of a fresh multi-agency crackdown on illicit alcohol and drug abuse.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said each facility is expected to cost an estimated Ksh60 million, with the national and county governments partnering to build and operate the centres within the next one year.
Kindiki spoke on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, in Karen, Nairobi, after meeting Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and heads of regulatory and enforcement agencies to review the government’s response to illicit alcohol and drug abuse.
“The Government continues to sustain the war against illicit alcohol and drug abuse to protect public health and secure the nation for present and future generations,” Kindiki said.
He said intelligence-led operations targeting illicit alcohol and drugs had continued to disrupt criminal networks involved in the trade.
“Intelligence-led multi agency sting operations are progressively dismantling cartels, disrupting supply chains and incapacitating unlicensed manufacturer establishments,” he said.
According to Kindiki, the government has also strengthened grassroots efforts by involving village elders in the fight against illicit alcohol and drug abuse.
He attributed part of the progress recorded over the past year to the recent motivation of village elders through monthly stipends and the establishment of the National Government Administration Unit (NGAPU).
“The recent motivation of village elders with a monthly stipend and the establishment of the National Government Administration Unit (NGAPU) has strengthened the efforts and secured significant achievements in the last one year,” Kindiki said.
Fresh inspections of alcohol manufacturers
The government is also preparing to intensify inspections of alcohol manufacturing premises to determine whether businesses are complying with existing laws and regulatory requirements.
Kindiki directed enforcement and regulatory agencies to re-inspect manufacturers’ premises and establish their current compliance status.
The government will also increase resources and equipment available to security and regulatory agencies to strengthen enforcement.
“The Government is rolling out additional resourcing and equipping of security and regulatory agencies to upscale enforcement,” Kindiki said.
Ksh60m rehabilitation centres
The national and county governments will partner in the establishment and operation of at least one public rehabilitation centre in each county.
The facilities are expected to provide rehabilitation services to people affected by alcohol and drug addiction, with each centre estimated to cost Sh60 million.
Kindiki said the partnership would form part of a broader government response to the consequences of substance abuse.
The Interior CS has been directed to convene a sector forum within 14 days, in liaison with the relevant committee of the Council of Governors.
The forum will discuss licensing and control of alcohol trade and consumption, as well as the framework for establishing and running rehabilitation services.
Special IBEC meeting
The government will also convene a Special Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) meeting next month to consider additional measures against the alcohol and drug trade.
The meeting will examine the economic consequences of alcohol and drug abuse and the impact of addiction on the country’s economy.
Kindiki said the government would continue strengthening cooperation between national and county authorities as it steps up the response to illicit alcohol and drug abuse.
The latest measures come amid continued government efforts to dismantle illicit alcohol manufacturing networks, disrupt supply chains and expand access to rehabilitation services across the country.
