The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has renewed calls for a strategic shift from reactive measures to a proactive, prevention-centered approach in the national fight against substance abuse.
Speaking during the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADA) celebrations held in Embu County, NACADA Board Chairman Rev. Dr. Stephen Mairori underscored the importance of prevention in curbing drug-related challenges.
“Prevention is not only cost-effective but also one of the most sustainable strategies in this fight,” said Rev. Mairori. “By educating our youth, empowering families, and creating supportive environments, we can stop addiction before it starts.”
This year’s IDADA theme, “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention. Break the cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime,” highlighted the global push to prioritize preventive measures and disrupt the networks that facilitate drug trafficking.
The Embu event attracted a cross-section of society including government officials, youth representatives, civil society actors, and community leaders. Their united presence emphasized the need for a multi-sectoral response to tackle drug abuse.
Eastern Regional Commissioner Paul Rotich praised NACADA’s collaborative approach, noting the impact of its efforts in reducing drug-related harm in the region. “NACADA’s work aligns with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda by fostering healthy, productive communities,” Rotich stated. “When we prevent drug abuse, we secure our future workforce, reduce crime, and promote national development.”
In line with this agenda, NACADA has been rolling out preventive interventions such as school sensitization programmes, stakeholder forums, and awareness campaigns. These initiatives are aimed at equipping young people with the knowledge and skills to resist drug use while encouraging communities to become active agents in prevention.
Similar IDADA events were held across all 47 counties, spearheaded by NACADA county coordinators. Activities included public marches, educational sessions in schools, and community dialogues all geared toward enhancing awareness and collective action.
NACADA continues to emphasize that lasting success in combating drug abuse will come not from treating symptoms, but from addressing root causes through sustained prevention efforts.
