EMBU – Kenya’s anti-drug agency has issued a firm appeal for a national shift toward prevention, warning that reactive measures alone will not solve the country’s rising drug abuse problem.
During the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking commemorated in Embu County, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) called for proactive investment in education, family support, and youth engagement to stop addiction before it begins.
“Prevention is not only cost-effective but also one of the most sustainable strategies in this fight,” NACADA Board Chairman Stephen Mairori said during the event. “By educating our youth, empowering families, and creating supportive environments, we can stop addiction before it starts.”
This year’s campaign was themed, “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention. Break the cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime.”
The national ceremony drew participants from across the country, including government officials, youth groups, religious leaders, and civil society. Marches, forums, and school sensitization programs were held in all 47 counties under the coordination of NACADA officers.
Eastern Regional Commissioner Paul Rotich praised NACADA’s approach, highlighting the agency’s role in reducing drug-related harm through community involvement and coordinated efforts.
“NACADA’s work aligns with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda by fostering healthy, productive communities,” Rotich said. “When we prevent drug abuse, we secure our future workforce, reduce crime, and promote national development.”
Data from recent NACADA reports shows that drug and alcohol abuse continues to affect young people in both urban and rural areas, with school-age youth among the most vulnerable. Experts say early intervention and education significantly lower the risk of long-term dependency and related social harm.
NACADA has expanded its prevention programs to schools, faith-based groups, and local administrations, promoting messages centered on responsible choices and the dangers of illicit substances. Authorities have also called on parents and teachers to take an active role in awareness efforts.
The agency warned that drug-related crime, including trafficking and organized networks, continues to pose a security threat, especially in border and coastal regions. The push for prevention is also part of a broader strategy to disrupt demand for illegal drugs and reduce pressure on law enforcement.
In Embu and across the country, the day was marked with marches, awareness drives, and stakeholder meetings focused on community-based solutions.
The event underscored Kenya’s commitment to tackling drug abuse not just through arrests and rehabilitation, but through front-line education and social change. NACADA said it plans to scale up its county-level programs and strengthen partnerships with schools and local leaders throughout the year.
By turning attention to prevention, the government hopes to build resilience among youth, reduce addiction rates, and promote safer communities.
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