NACADA calls for urgent shift to prevention as drug abuse cases surge

Kenya’s National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has called for a nationwide shift from reactive enforcement to proactive prevention in combating substance abuse. This appeal comes amid rising concerns over the effectiveness of crackdowns in addressing addiction and drug-related harm.

During a recent high-level stakeholders’ forum in Nairobi, NACADA emphasized that punitive measures alone have not been effective. Officials noted that the country needs to prioritize early detection, community-based awareness, and comprehensive referral systems to treat addiction before it spirals out of control.

NACADA’s CEO stated that sustainable progress requires interventions at the community level. He stressed the importance of equipping local leaders, educators, and parents with skills to detect early signs of substance use and guide victims toward rehabilitation.

Interior Ministry officials echoed this call, noting that enforcement without prevention leads to repeated cycles of arrests and relapse. They unveiled a Community-Based Rehabilitation Framework that will involve grassroots players such as churches, schools, and civil society organizations. This framework aims to identify drug users early, reduce stigma, and offer practical recovery options.

The government recently approved a National Policy on the Prevention of Alcohol, Drugs and Substance Use. The new policy bans advertisements targeting young people, restricts sales near schools and worship centers, and mandates the setup of rehabilitation facilities in all counties.

NACADA also launched a National Substance Use Prevention Week, running from February 17 to 21. The campaign featured educational forums, youth activities, and public parades designed to mobilize communities around awareness, support, and action. The initiative trained hundreds of young people and religious leaders to act as prevention ambassadors in their neighbourhoods.

In addition to alcohol and cannabis, NACADA raised concern about the increasing availability of synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances. These emerging drugs pose unique risks because of their potency and unregulated distribution. Authorities have observed worrying trends in urban centers and border towns where traffickers target vulnerable youth.

Community leaders have praised the policy shift and called for more public education campaigns. They urged the government to invest in school-based prevention programs, especially in areas where drug abuse has disrupted education and livelihoods.

To sustain these efforts, NACADA will coordinate with county governments to implement region-specific responses. Each county is expected to develop local action plans and report progress annually. The authority will also evaluate the performance of the newly launched rehabilitation framework.

In closing remarks, NACADA’s leadership emphasized that prevention must become the foundation of Kenya’s anti-drug strategy. They reiterated that empowering families, schools, and communities to act early is more cost-effective and humane than waiting for addiction to take root.

With these reforms, Kenya is poised to shift from punishment to prevention, building a healthier, drug-free future for its youth and generations to come.