Govt vows crackdown on drugs as Grade 10 learners transition to senior schools
By Joel Masibo, January 12, 2026The government, through the Ministry of Interior, has assured involved parties of heightened security measures in schools as institutions reopen to receive the first cohort of Grade 10 students under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) system.
In a statement released on Monday, January 12, 2026, the Ministry of Interior welcomed the pioneer Grade 10 learners transitioning into senior secondary schools.
To safeguard learners, National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) have been deployed to work closely with school administrations to prevent the entry and circulation of drugs and other illegal substances within school compounds.
Safe learning environment
The ministry said the collaboration is aimed at creating a safe, disciplined and supportive learning environment, particularly for students joining new schools and adapting to senior secondary education.
”As schools reopen, we welcome the pioneer Grade 10 learners transitioning into senior schools. Our National Government Administrative Officers @ngaosKE are working together with school administrators to ensure no drugs or illegal substances enter our school environments,” the statement reads.
The transition of Grade 10 students marks the beginning of the senior school pathway under the CBC, where learners will start specialising in selected career tracks.
Meanwhile, to get rid of drugs among the Kenyan youth, President William Ruto has announced a sweeping new push against alcohol and drug abuse, indicating a tougher national response as public concern grows over the impact of drugs on young people, families, and security.
In a statement shared on X on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, the president said the government is moving with urgency to strengthen enforcement, expand treatment, and tighten coordination across state agencies, following commitments he made in his New Year’s Address proposing death by hanging for drug dealers.
Ruto’s fight against drugs
“Chaired a multi-agency meeting to accelerate our response to alcohol and drug abuse in line with commitments outlined in my New Year Address,” he noted.
The president said the meeting brought together key agencies to align their work and remove gaps that have previously slowed action. He noted that the government is moving to tighten systems that govern how agencies share information, plan operations, and remain accountable for results.
“The relevant legal framework will be finalised to strengthen coordination and accountability across government as additional officers are being deployed to the Anti-Narcotics Unit, with the requisite training and logistical support,” Ruto stated.
The renewed focus comes amid heightened debate on how far the country should go to curb drug trafficking and abuse, with the government now framing the fight as both a public health issue and a national security threat.