NACADA declares war with drug suppliers

NACADA board chair Stephen Mairori/Gilbert Koech

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) has declared an all-out war on drug suppliers in the country.

Nacada Board chair Stephen Mairori on Thursday said drug suppliers’ days are numbered.

“As a country, we can’t allow this to continue. There are other businesses that people can do to make money. I want to challenge everybody in this business, please stop, do other things and let’s help our children. We need a brighter future for everyone. We cannot be the ones killing our children and their future,” Mairori said.

He was speaking at the Kenya School of Government, Lower Kabete, during the official launch of the National Substance Use Prevention Week Summit 2026.

The theme of this year’s summit is ‘Empowered Communities, Brighter Future’.

Mairori noted that 42.5 per cent of Kenyans are lifetime abstainers, a testament to resilience shaped by family, faith, personal conviction and community values.

He said, however, that 17.5 per cent of adults and a concerning 26.6 per cent of university students have used substances.

Mairori added that close to five million people abuse one drug or another, while a further 1.3 million require rehabilitation.

“This disparity highlights a critical battlefield our youth are facing in Kenya. The availability of drugs, especially near our learning institutions, is a crisis we must confront with unity and urgency,” he said.

Mairori decried that close to half of university students are using one drug or another.

To address the challenge, he said Nacada’s strategy balances supply reduction with demand reduction, noting that a safer future requires dismantling supply, limiting access and strengthening resolve.

He said those recovering from drug abuse are living proof that change is possible.

Mairori added that the drug menace has attracted the attention of the President.

He challenged every member of the community to play a role in fighting drug and alcohol abuse.

“It is very expensive to treat a person who has developed an addiction, and it takes time for recovery. We can make decisions earlier and help our families and communities by saying no to drugs, educating them and doing everything we can to empower them,” he said.

Mairori urged parents not to abdicate their responsibility to ensure their children are safe.

He said one of the main challenges is supply.

“We want to make sure that as we help people say no to drugs, we also ensure drugs and illicit alcohol are not available on the shelves,” he said.

Mairori warned that many Kenyans are consuming dangerous alcohol.

He said those dealing in drugs are using dubious methods, including branding, to reach their target market.

Nacada chief executive officer Dr Anthony Omerikwa said even as the authority suppresses supply and demand, stigma, myths and unscrupulous business people remain major challenges.

He urged those facing stigma to seek help, saying they are covered under SHA.

“We will pursue those dealing in drugs. The law allows us to attach their assets, freeze their accounts and ensure they are prosecuted to remove them from circulation,” he said.

Omerikwa said a policy prohibiting the sale of alcohol near learning institutions will soon be enforced. He added that the authority is currently conducting awareness campaigns.

As part of efforts to support those affected by drug abuse, Omerikwa said Nacada is in the process of establishing rehabilitation centres across all 47 counties.

He added that the authority would increase the number of champions advocating for the prevention of alcohol and substance abuse as part of its wider plan.

Warning that illicit alcohol is in circulation, Omerikwa said as of  September 30 last year, Kakamega county led in illicit alcohol cases, followed by Trans Nzoia and Kisumu.

Nairobi County secretary Godfrey Akumali called for action against what he termed a chopper supplying young people with drugs in the county.

Akumali reiterated that families have a crucial role to play in curbing alcohol and substance abuse.