By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, 1 January 2026 - President William Ruto has announced the formation of a powerful new Anti-Narcotics Unit within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), signalling a tougher and more coordinated national assault on drug trafficking and illicit alcohol networks.
Speaking during his New Year’s Eve address at the Eldoret State Lodge on 31 December 2025, the President said the revamped unit would be designed to match the operational strength of the elite Anti-Terrorism Police Unit, with a clear focus on dismantling organised criminal syndicates and the financial systems that sustain them.
“We will establish a strengthened Anti-Narcotics Unit within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, with operational capacity comparable to the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit,” Ruto said.
The President said officers assigned to the new unit will undergo specialised paramilitary training to prepare them for high-risk operations, intelligence-led investigations and complex financial crimes.
“The officers deployed to this unit will receive advanced training and specialised skills to deal decisively with organised and dangerous criminal networks,” he said.
The unit will be equipped with modern surveillance tools, forensic technology and advanced intelligence-gathering capabilities to ensure it can operate effectively across the country. Ruto emphasised that the initiative is not meant to replace the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), but to reinforce its work.
“This unit will not replace NACADA. It will complement its work as a fully resourced, permanent, multi-agency formation,” the President noted.
To strengthen its reach, Ruto announced that the unit’s personnel will be expanded from about 200 officers to 700 through fresh recruitment and redeployment.
“We are increasing the strength of the Anti-Narcotics Unit from 200 to 700 officers to ensure nationwide coverage and sustained operations,” he said.
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A key mandate of the unit will be to follow the money behind drug trafficking. Ruto said officers will be empowered to trace, seize and recover assets linked to narcotics and illicit alcohol trade.
“We must go after the financiers, the kingpins and the assets that fuel this trade,” he said, adding that the Assets Recovery Agency would be involved “from the point of seizure to ensure proceeds of crime are frozen and forfeited to the State”.
The President also appealed to Chief Justice Martha Koome to support the establishment of specialised courts to fast-track drug-related cases.
Beyond policing, Ruto announced plans to tighten border security and issued a stern warning to rogue officers.
“Any public officer, including members of our security agencies, who aids or shields drug traffickers will be prosecuted and removed from office,” he warned.
Describing the fight against drugs as a personal mission, Ruto said it required collective responsibility.
“This is not just a law enforcement issue. It is about families, values, communities and protecting our children before they fall into addiction,” he said.
