NACADA on Monday opened its 2026 National Essay Writing Competition, inviting senior school students in Kenya to participate under the theme “Protecting Our Future: Making Drug-Free Choices in School and Beyond.”
The agency says participation is free and is urging learners to use their writing to champion a drug-free generation across schools and communities nationwide.
In a statement shared publicly, NACADA Kenya said, “Calling all senior school students (Grades 10-12) in Kenya! The 2026 NACADA National Essay Writing Competition is officially OPEN!”
According to the agency, participation in the contest comes at no cost to students. “Participation is absolutely FREE,” NACADA stated, underlining its intention to ensure inclusivity and broad access to the platform.
The announcement positions the essay competition as more than an academic exercise.
It frames the initiative as a national call to action for young people to take ownership of conversations around substance abuse prevention.
“Use your writing to champion a drug-free generation,” NACADA urged students, signalling that the competition seeks to inspire advocacy, reflection and leadership among youth through creative expression.
The theme, “Protecting Our Future: Making Drug-Free Choices in School and Beyond,” places responsibility squarely on students to reflect on their role in shaping healthier school environments and communities.
By focusing on choices “in School and Beyond,” the agency appears to broaden the scope of the discussion to include life outside the classroom.
While details such as submission deadlines and judging criteria were not included in the initial call, the tone of the announcement emphasises urgency and opportunity.
The phrase “officially OPEN” signals the start of what NACADA hopes will be wide national participation.
The competition is part of ongoing efforts by the agency to address drug and substance abuse among young people.
By targeting senior school students, learners at a formative stage before transitioning to higher education or the workforce, the initiative seeks to engage a demographic considered particularly vulnerable to peer pressure and experimentation.
Through the essay format, students are given a structured platform to articulate their understanding of the dangers of drug use and the importance of making responsible decisions.
The invitation to champion a drug-free generation suggests that participants are encouraged not only to write about the issue but to position themselves as advocates for change.
The call specifically addresses Kenyan students, with NACADA stating, “Calling all senior school students (Grades 10-12) in Kenya!”
By removing financial barriers through free participation, NACADA appears to be seeking maximum inclusivity.
“Participation is absolutely FREE,” the agency reiterated, highlighting accessibility as a core element of the programme.
The essay theme reaffirms prevention as a collective responsibility. “Protecting Our Future” suggests that the issue of drug use is not confined to individuals but has implications for communities and the country as a whole.
As the 2026 edition gets underway, NACADA’s message to students is clear, the platform is open, the theme is set, and their voices are needed.
With the competition now launched, attention will likely turn to how schools, teachers and parents mobilise students to participate.
For NACADA, the hope appears to be that through thoughtful writing and reflection, young people can help lead the charge toward safer, healthier environments in schools and beyond.
