NACADA urges shift to prevention in ongoing war on drug and alcohol abuse
NACADA Board Chairperson Stephen Mairori underscored the importance of proactive approaches, arguing that long-term success hinges on preventive strategies rather than curative responses.
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has called for a national pivot towards prevention as the most effective weapon in combating substance abuse.
Speaking during the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADA) commemoration in Embu County today, the authority rallied stakeholders to unite under the global theme: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention. Break the Cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime.”
NACADA Board Chairperson Stephen Mairori underscored the importance of proactive approaches, arguing that long-term success hinges on preventive strategies rather than curative responses.
“Prevention is not only affordable but also the most sustainable approach we have,” said Mairori. “By equipping our youth with the right information, supporting families, and fostering positive environments, we can tackle the problem at its root before addiction takes hold.”
He noted that every coin channelled toward prevention spares the nation the far greater cost of rehabilitation, lost productivity, and broken communities.
The event was also attended by Eastern Regional Commissioner Paul Rotich, who praised NACADA’s community-driven efforts and noted the positive impact of awareness campaigns in reducing drug-related incidents.
“By keeping our communities informed and engaged, NACADA is helping deliver on the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda,” said Rotich. “Healthy citizens mean a stronger workforce, less crime, and sustainable development.”
Nationwide, NACADA marked IDADA through county-level events including public marches, school outreach programs, and stakeholder dialogues. From coastal towns to remote northern counties, the unified message was clear: prevention is the strongest safeguard for Kenya’s future.
The call to action comes as the country continues to battle the widespread impact of drug and alcohol abuse. NACADA recently ramped up multi-agency crackdowns on illicit substances, with successful operations reported in Homa Bay and Kisii counties in May.
As the fight against addiction evolves, NACADA’s 2025 campaign reiterates a critical truth halting the crisis before it starts remains the most effective cure.
