Kitale has been identified as a new hotspot for drug and substance abuse, with traffickers targeting towns that have large student populations. Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen warned about this growing trend while launching the 2025 National Policy on Alcohol, Drugs, and Substance Abuse.

• Kitale Polytechnic, with its 16,000 students, makes the town attractive to drug networks alongside other colleges.
• Cabinet Secretary Murkomen highlighted Kenya's strategic geographical location and porous borders as factors contributing to its vulnerability to illicit drug trafficking.
• Judicial and legislative reforms are being sought to strengthen the legal framework against drug and alcohol abuse, with calls to reconsider evidence requirements for prosecution.