Nairobi, 1 January 2026 – President William Ruto has warned that alcohol and drug abuse in Kenya has reached crisis levels, describing it as a “silent but deadly” threat to the nation’s health, economic progress, and security.
Speaking during his New Year’s message, President Ruto highlighted alarming statistics, noting that one in every six Kenyans aged 15 to 65—approximately five million people—currently uses at least one substance of abuse. He emphasised that the issue disproportionately affects men and young people, with one in three Kenyan men and one in five adults aged 25 to 35 affected.
“Over 1.5 million young Kenyans are being pulled away from opportunity into dependency,” the President said. “Alcohol—and I repeat, alcohol—remains the most widely used substance, with more than 3.2 million current users. Initiation often occurs between 16 and 20 years, and in some cases as early as seven years, exposing children to lifelong harm before adulthood even begins.”
President Ruto warned that the scale of addiction threatens Kenya’s ability to grow, compete, and maintain security. “This is no longer a marginal issue. It is a national emergency,” he said.
He announced that the government will treat alcohol and drug abuse as a national development and security emergency, pledging decisive action in the year ahead.
Experts say Kenya’s drug and alcohol problem has been exacerbated by rising unemployment, urbanisation, and the proliferation of illicit substances, particularly among young adults. The President’s declaration signals a potential shift toward more aggressive interventions, including policy reforms, awareness campaigns, and targeted rehabilitation programs.
As Kenyans begin the year 2026, the government’s focus on addiction is expected to spark debates on the role of public health, law enforcement, and community action in addressing one of the country’s most pressing social challenges.
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