The government has announced plans to establish rehabilitation centres in all 47 counties as part of President William Ruto’s renewed national campaign to combat rising cases of drug and substance abuse.
President Ruto announced the new measures after chairing a multi-agency meeting at State House on January 7 to deliberate on his New Year commitment to fight drug abuse.
The President says that the government will collaborate with county governments and NACADA in the establishment of the rehabilitation centres.
“We will establish rehabilitation centres in all 47 counties, working closely with county governments and NACADA, alongside strengthened rehabilitation services in national referral hospitals,” President Ruto announced.
The government will also collaborate with enhanced rehabilitation units within national referral hospitals to support treatment and recovery efforts.
The Head of State said that patients admitted to the rehabilitation centres shall be covered under the Social Health Authority, which will enhance the cover for treatment and recovery.
In Ruto’s plan to disrupt drug trafficking and organised crime, the government has announced that multi-agency border teams will be deployed at five key entry points.
Ruto further revealed that more officers are being assigned to the Anti-Narcotics Unit, backed by specialised training and improved logistical support.
The President has committed to applying a whole-of-government approach integrating prevention, enforcement, treatment, and recovery to safeguard our people and national security.
He added that the government is finalising a legal framework to enhance coordination and accountability among state agencies in the newly intensified national campaign against drug abuse.
The multi-agency meeting at State House comes a day after the Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, held a similar meeting where he announced a nationwide crackdown on the distribution of illicit ethanol and drugs.
The operation will include the seizure of assets and property acquired from the proceeds of illicit alcohol and drug trafficking.
