The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has called for strengthened community action to combat substance abuse, particularly among young people, during the official opening of the National Substance Use Prevention Week Summit.
Speaking at the Kenya School of Government on Thursday, NACADA Board Chairperson Bishop Stephen Mairori underscored the urgency of safeguarding Kenya’s youth under this year’s theme, “Empowered Communities, Brighter Futures.”
Mairori cited national data indicating that 42.5 per cent of Kenyans are lifetime abstainers, describing the figure as evidence of resilience rooted in family, faith, and community values.
He said the statistic reflects the majority of citizens who have consciously chosen to live free from substance abuse.
However, he warned that substance use remains a significant concern, particularly among young people. According to NACADA data, 17.5 per cent of adults have used substances, while the prevalence rises to 26.6 per cent among university students.
He described the disparity as a “critical battlefield,” noting that the availability of drugs near learning institutions poses a serious threat to the country’s youthful population.
Mairori outlined a two-pronged strategy to address the challenge. First, he emphasised prevention efforts anchored in homes, places of worship, schools, and workplaces.
He said NACADA has engaged religious leaders across denominations and counties to strengthen value-based messaging and reinforce protective social structures.
Second, he highlighted the importance of partnerships to bridge policy and grassroots implementation.
NACADA, he said, is rolling out targeted interventions in schools, workplaces, and communities while balancing supply reduction and demand reduction strategies.
The Board Chair also acknowledged individuals in recovery, describing them as proof that change is possible and urging them to share their experiences to inspire others.
Mairori concluded by framing prevention as a strategic national investment rather than an optional initiative, calling for coordinated action to secure healthier futures for generations to come.
National Substance Use Prevention Week Summit brings together policymakers, health professionals, educators, faith leaders, law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders to address the growing challenge of substance abuse in the country.
The annual summit, convened by NACADA, serves as a platform to review national data, assess policy implementation, and strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration in prevention and response efforts.
Participants are expected to deliberate on evidence-based prevention strategies, including school-based interventions, workplace policies, faith-driven outreach programmes, and community surveillance initiatives.
The summit will also examine supply reduction measures targeting trafficking networks and illicit distribution channels.
