The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has opened entries for its 2026 National Senior School Essay Writing Competition, inviting students across Kenya to share their perspectives on preventing alcohol and drug abuse.
The competition targets learners in Grades 10 to 12, giving them an opportunity to engage critically with issues affecting youth while reinforcing life skills and responsible decision-making.
Themed “Protecting Our Future: Making Drug-Free Choices in School and Beyond,” the initiative encourages students to reflect on the dangers of substance use and to explore practical solutions in their communities.
“The competition forms part of NACADA’s renewed national strategy to intensify prevention efforts, following President Ruto’s directive to strengthen the fight against alcohol and drug abuse, particularly among young people,” said Anthony Omerikwa, NACADA’s Chief Executive Officer.
Omerikwa emphasized that the contest strengthens early prevention and youth empowerment. “The initiative reaffirms the Government’s commitment to demand reduction through early prevention, education, and youth empowerment,” he said.
By linking the competition to Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and Life Skills Education framework, NACADA hopes students will develop critical thinking, self-efficacy, citizenship, and communication skills while addressing real-life challenges.
Participants are invited to submit original handwritten essays of 800 to 1,000 words, written in either English or Kiswahili. Each entry must be accompanied by an official entry form signed and stamped by the school principal or head teacher. The submission deadline is March 28, 2026.
Essay topics cover a wide range of themes, including peer pressure, the role of schools, family and community responsibilities, academic performance, and positive peer support in preventing substance abuse. NACADA aims to create synergy between formal education and national drug prevention strategies, fostering awareness of the consequences of alcohol and drug use.
Winning essays will be published in the NACADA newsletter, and awards will be presented during the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADA) on June 26, 2026. Teachers of winning students will also receive certificates of recognition for their guidance and mentorship.
The authority has made entry forms and competition guidelines available on its official website, www.nacada.go.ke, urging all eligible students to participate. “Let’s write for change. Let’s choose a drug-free future,” NACADA said in its call to action.
This initiative forms part of Kenya’s broader strategy to combat alcohol and drug abuse among young people, encouraging early prevention and empowering youth to make positive choices. By engaging students directly, the competition aims to nurture a generation that understands the risks of substance abuse and stands committed to protecting their future and that of their communities.
With substance abuse among youth remaining a growing challenge, NACADA’s essay contest provides a platform for young Kenyans to voice their ideas and solutions while reinforcing the critical role of schools, families, and communities in shaping healthier lifestyles.
