Research, Standards & Licensing Directorate

Research, Standards & Licensing Directorate

The Directorate is responsible for coordinating research on alcohol and drug abuse, monitoring national and international trends in production, trafficking, and consumption, and ensuring data collection for the National Drug Observatory. It also submits bi-annual reports to Parliament and fulfills regional and international reporting obligations.

Additionally, the Directorate oversees the development of knowledge management strategies, standards, and guidelines on alcohol and drug abuse. It manages the licensing of alcohol importers, exporters, and manufacturers, as well as the regulation of rehabilitation facilities. It also works to establish model rehabilitation centers.

Furthermore, the Directorate formulates and reviews national policies on alcohol and drug control in line with global trends. It coordinates the implementation of these policies and action plans at both national and county government levels, ensuring a unified approach to combating substance abuse.

The Research department is responsible for:

  1. Research & Data Dissemination – Conducting and promoting research on alcohol and drug abuse, maintaining consumption and mortality statistics, and sharing findings.

  2. Policy & Standards – Providing evidence for policy development on alcohol and drug abuse prevention.

  3. Partnerships & Collaboration – Engaging with other organizations for joint research efforts.

  4. Trend Monitoring – Tracking national and international trends in alcohol/drug production, trafficking, and consumption.

  5. Reporting – Submitting bi-annual reports to Parliament and quarterly/annual reports for regional and international compliance.

  6. Capacity Building – Training agencies and stakeholders involved in data collection for reporting obligations.

  7. Knowledge Management – Maintaining a resource center, updating the National Drug Observatory, and publishing the AJADA journal bi-annually.

The department ensures evidence-based decision-making, compliance with reporting standards, and continuous improvement in alcohol and drug abuse control in Kenya.

The Standards and Licencing Department is responsible for:

  1. Setting Standards & Guidelines: Developing rules for prevention, rehabilitation, reintegration, and alcoholic drink control.

  2. Licensing: Issuing permits for importers, exporters, and manufacturers of alcoholic drinks.

  3. Rehabilitation Oversight: Accrediting rehab facilities and establishing model centers.

  4. Professional Development: Creating and accrediting training programs for addiction professionals.

  5. Policy & Compliance: Implementing licensing systems, evaluating legal gaps, and collaborating with county licensing committees.

  6. Awareness & Records: Educating stakeholders on regulations and maintaining updated registers of licensed individuals and facilities.

 

The department is responsible for:

  1. Policy Coordination & Development – Formulating national policies and action plans on alcohol and drug abuse, advising on alcohol-related regulations, and creating policy frameworks.

  2. Policy Review & Improvement – Conducting gap analyses, reviewing existing policies, and recommending amendments in consultation with stakeholders.

  3. Stakeholder Engagement & Public Participation – Ensuring public involvement in policy development and disseminating policy briefs to relevant stakeholders.

  4. Implementation & Reporting – Coordinating the execution of national policies, monitoring progress, and reporting outcomes.

  5. Support to County Governments & Agencies – Assisting counties and other government bodies in developing localized policies and action plans on alcohol and drug abuse.

This department plays a central role in shaping, implementing, and refining policies to combat alcohol and drug abuse at both national and local levels.