NACADA Highlights Alarming Drug Use in Kenya, Calls for Action

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NACADA has marked this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADA) with a powerful message to Kenyans: prevention must be our first line of defence. At a national event held at Bomas of Kenya, leaders called for greater community involvement, compassion, and collaboration to tackle rising substance abuse across the country.

Highlights

  • IDADA 2025 was commemorated under the global theme “People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention.”
  • Interior PS Dr. Raymond Omollo noted the shift toward synthetic and prescription drug abuse in Kenya.
  • Over 1 in 6 Kenyans aged 15–65 are reportedly using at least one addictive substance.
  • NACADA Chair Dr. Stephen Mairori called for unified action from families, communities, and counties.
  • Prevention, not punishment, was emphasized as the most effective long-term strategy.

Main Story

Speaking during the IDADA event, Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo said drug addiction should be treated as a public health crisis, not just a criminal issue. He highlighted the growing challenge of synthetic drugs and misuse of prescription medication, especially among the youth. “Our approach must shift from punishment to prevention,” he said.

NACADA’s most recent national survey revealed that at least one in every six Kenyans aged 15 to 65 uses a substance—ranging from alcohol and cannabis to emerging synthetic drugs. This growing crisis has pushed NACADA to intensify its prevention-first strategy, which includes school outreach, parenting programs, and grassroots advocacy.

Under this year’s global theme, “People First,” the agency also emphasized the importance of compassion over condemnation. NACADA Chair Dr. Stephen Mairori urged Kenyans to support victims of addiction, reduce discrimination, and ensure treatment is accessible and non-judgmental.

Dr. Mairori stressed that prevention is not the government’s job alone. He called on faith-based institutions, civil society, families, and county governments to step up. “We must build a society where seeking help is not shameful, and where every Kenyan plays a role in protecting the next generation,” he said.

In a world battling addiction, NACADA’s message is clear: healing begins with humanity, and prevention starts with all of us.