Kenya Boosts War on Drugs with New UNODC Test Kits

Kenya has taken a stronger step in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking. The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has received 30 drug test kits and 30 precursor test kits from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Nairobi Office.

Each kit can carry out up to 500 tests. This gives enforcement and laboratory teams greater capacity to detect narcotics and precursor chemicals across the country.

Kenya Boosts War on Drugs with New UNODC Test Kits

Stronger Law Enforcement

During the handover in Nairobi, NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa noted that the new equipment will boost law enforcement and prevention efforts.

“With these kits, NACADA and our partner agencies will detect narcotics faster and more accurately. This will improve intelligence-led enforcement and help disrupt supply chains before drugs reach our communities,” he said.

Reliable and Field-Friendly

UNODC representative Boniface Wilunda highlighted that the kits are both reliable and field-friendly. He explained that they will allow officers to act quickly and with confidence when identifying substances.

Supporting Kenya Government Initiatives

The donation comes as the government intensifies its 100-day Rapid Results Initiative against illicit alcohol and drugs. The campaign is spearheaded by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.

It also supports the recently launched National Alcohol Policy 2025, which emphasizes stronger enforcement, evidence-based interventions, and international cooperation.

Nationwide Deployment

According to NACADA, the kits will be distributed to frontline teams countrywide. These teams will use them to aid detection, support investigations, and contribute to broader public health measures.