President William Ruto has warned that alcohol and drug abuse is a growing threat in Kenya, describing it as a national emergency.

Speaking in Eldoret during his New Year address as the country waits to usher in the New Year 2026, Dr Ruto said one in six Kenyans uses drugs, while one in three Kenyan men either uses drugs or abuse alcohol.

“The abuse of drugs and alcohol is eroding our youths, our families, and our communities. It is a national emergency that requires urgent and coordinated action,” he said.

The president noted that initiation into drug use starts as early as 16 years, and stressed that Kenya cannot grow when millions of its citizens are trapped in drugs.

“Going into the new year, the government will confront this menace as a national security issue,” Dr Ruto said.

To tackle the problem, the President announced that a multi-agency unit within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) will receive full political support to work closely with NACADA and other security agencies.

He also warned that asset recovery and seizure will be applied to anyone involved in drug-related activities.

“I urge the Judiciary to fast-track cases dealing with drugs,” Dr Ruto said, calling for expedited legal action to ensure swift justice.

Addressing parents directly, Dr Ruto said the fight against drugs is personal to him as both president and parent.

“Fellow citizens, this struggle is personal to me. As parents, we must choose to be present to our children. No law can replace parents. We must be there to secure their future and the moral destiny of our nation. We must guide them against drugs,” he said.

On leadership and governance, President Ruto declared 2026 will be the year of accountability.

“Those in leadership will be held accountable for their performance. The nature of leadership is performance, and that will apply to all in leadership positions,” he said.

He urged parents, community leaders, and law enforcement agencies to strengthen prevention, rehabilitation, and awareness programmes, warning that the drug menace threatens both social cohesion and national productivity.

Dr Ruto also promised that his government will scale up rehabilitation centres, support youth empowerment initiatives, and enforce stricter measures against illegal narcotics.