President William Ruto has ordered the formation of a paramilitary anti-narcotics special force as the government steps up its crackdown on drug barons and illicit alcohol cartels across the country.
The specialised unit will be deployed under the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) to strengthen enforcement, intelligence gathering and rapid response against organised drug trafficking networks.
The decision was reached during a high-level multi-agency security meeting chaired by the President at State House, Nairobi, as part of broader efforts to tighten the noose on criminal syndicates profiting from narcotics and substance abuse.
Senior government and security officials present at the meeting included Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspectors-General Eliud Lang’at and Gilbert Masengeli, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Mohammed Amin, NACADA Chairman Stephen Mairori and Chief Executive Officer Anthony Omerikwa, as well as Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) Managing Director Esther Ngari.
Inspector-General Douglas Kanja revealed that a paramilitary special force has already been identified for deployment to the Anti-Narcotics Unit, with resources set aside for specialised training.
“The government has prioritised this initiative, and resources have already been provided to prepare the unit for effective operations,” Kanja said, noting that the force will enhance operational capacity in dealing with high-risk drug syndicates.
As part of the renewed offensive, the Office of the Attorney-General, working in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, has been directed to develop a comprehensive legal framework within the next ten days. The framework is expected to strengthen coordination, enforcement and accountability among government agencies involved in the fight against drug trafficking and related organised crime.
The proposed legal measures will also seek to disrupt the financial and logistical networks that sustain drug barons and illicit alcohol manufacturers, while closing loopholes that allow offenders to evade justice.
In addition to enforcement, the government emphasized rehabilitation and public health interventions as a key pillar of the strategy.
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has been tasked with ensuring that rehabilitation facilities across the country are fully operational, adequately equipped and accessible to affected individuals.
Meanwhile, the Social Health Authority has been mandated to enhance treatment coverage for persons struggling with substance abuse. This will include financing rehabilitation care, strengthening referral pathways and improving recovery outcomes through integrated health services.
President Ruto reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting communities from the devastating social and economic effects of drugs and illicit alcohol, warning that criminal networks involved in the trade will face decisive action.
The formation of the anti-narcotics special force marks a significant escalation in the government’s campaign against drug trafficking, signalling a tougher, multi-agency approach that combines enforcement, legal reform and rehabilitation.
