Kenya is set to deploy a new 700-member Anti-Narcotics Unit within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in 2026 to combat drug trafficking and illicit alcohol. President William Ruto declared substance abuse a national development and security emergency, announcing enhanced capabilities for the unit comparable to the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit.

• The unit's strength will increase from 200 to 700 officers for nationwide operations.
• President William Ruto emphasized aggressive asset tracing, seizure, and forfeiture, with recovered assets directed towards rehabilitation programs.
• Alarming statistics reveal that one in every six Kenyans aged between 15 and 65 (approximately 4.7 million people) use at least one drug, with alcohol being the most prevalent.