The fight against drug and substance abuse must begin long before addiction takes root. That was the rallying call as Kenya joined the rest of the world in marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADA), with the national event hosted in Embu County.
Rev. Dr. Stephen Mairori, Chairperson of the NACADA Board, emphasized the urgent need to move resources and attention toward prevention efforts. “It’s not just about treating addiction it’s about stopping it before it starts,” he said. “Investing in prevention is both smart and sustainable. It’s how we safeguard the next generation.”
This year’s IDADA theme, “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention. Break the cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime,” placed a spotlight on the link between drug abuse and organized criminal networks. The theme served as a powerful reminder that tackling addiction also means dismantling the systems that profit from it.
The Embu celebration drew together leaders from government, civil society, and local communities, all united by a shared commitment to shielding youth from the devastating impact of drugs.
Eastern Regional Commissioner Paul Rotich praised NACADA’s inclusive approach. “By involving schools, families, and community institutions, NACADA is laying the groundwork for long-term change,” he noted. “This directly supports our national development priorities, including the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. A drug-free society is a more productive one.”
Across the country, similar events unfolded in all 47 counties. From school outreach programs and community marches to public forums, the message was consistent: prevention works and it’s everyone’s responsibility.
