EMBU, Kenya – The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has called for greater investment in prevention strategies as the most effective and sustainable response to substance abuse.
Marking this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADA) in Embu County, NACADA led national celebrations under the theme “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention. Break the cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime.”
NACADA Board Chairman, Dr. Rev. Stephen Mairori, said that while treatment and rehabilitation remain important, stopping addiction before it starts is the most cost-effective way to combat Kenya’s drug crisis.
“Prevention is not only cost-effective, but it is also one of the most sustainable strategies in the fight against substance abuse,” said Dr. Mairori. “By educating youth, empowering families, and fostering supportive environments, we can stop addiction before it starts. Every shilling invested in prevention saves lives and reduces the burden on treatment and rehabilitation systems.”
The Embu event drew participation from government officials, community leaders, youth groups, and civil society.
Eastern Regional Commissioner Paul Rotich, who attended the event, praised NACADA’s grassroots outreach for helping reduce drug-related harm across the region.
“NACADA’s efforts align with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda by promoting healthy, productive communities,” said Rotich. “By preventing drug abuse, we can secure a more robust workforce, reduce crime, and support national development.”
The agency also rolled out coordinated activities in all 47 counties, including public marches, school-based sensitization campaigns, and stakeholder engagement forums aimed at raising awareness and encouraging early intervention.
From coastal counties like Mombasa to remote regions such as Turkana, the message echoed nationwide: prevention is key to breaking the cycle of substance abuse and securing a healthier future.
NACADA says it will continue investing in evidence-based programs and strengthening community partnerships to ensure long-term impact.
“Addiction is not just a personal problem—it’s a public health, economic, and security issue,” said Dr. Mairori. “Investing in prevention is investing in our country’s future.”
