The trade and abuse of illicit alcohol and drugs have now been listed among the top national security threats by the Ministry of Interior. 

The listing puts the threat as the third most dangerous after terrorism and banditry.

Speaking on Friday in Nyeri during a stakeholders’ consultative forum on the menace of illicit alcohol and drug abuse in the country, interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki said that his ministry has identified the menace among the three top national threats.

Kindiki, in his address, promised that his docket will mount a vicious war to tackle the illicit alcohol and drug menace terming it as a problem that will impair Kenya in a big way if it is not dealt with.

The soft-spoken but tough CS said that his ministry will deal with drug and substance abuse with the same vigour and commitment as terrorism and banditry.

The CS called on all stakeholders to join hands with the government in the war against illicit drugs and substance abuse acknowledging the huddles they might come across along the way.

Among those in attendance were deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Administration Officers including county commissioners, chiefs, assistant chiefs, National Intelligence Service, KRA, KEBs and elected leaders. 

Similar conferences will be held in Embu, Nakuru, Wajir and Eldoret.