National authority for the campaign against alcohol and drug abuse

06/10/2023

The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) wishes to announce to the general public that there is an on going recruitment for various positions within the agency where this is aimed at easening the NSSF services to the kenyan citizen without strain
Qualified and nterested candidates should submit their applications by 12th October 2023

21/08/2023

Journalists Knowledge Transfer Workshop
NEWS 3, Feb 2020
January 30-31, 2020-

NACADA in partnership with the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) concluded a two-day training at the Utalii Hotel, Nairobi on reporting alcohol and drug abuse-related issues for health journalists and news editors. A total of eighty-four (84) participants drawn print, broadcast and online media attended the training.

NACADA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Victor G. Okioma, EBS, and Mr. Victor Bwire, Deputy Chief Executive Officer attended the opening session. In their remarks, they all acknowledged the importance of alcohol and drug abuse issues reporting in promoting the health of individuals and communities and the role of journalists in facilitating this. They also reiterated their commitment to work together to promote alcohol and drug abuse evidence-based reporting in the country.

Under the theme “Destigmatize Addiction”, the overall objective of the training was to build the capacity of journalists to report on alcohol and drug abuse issues and reduce the stigma associated with persons suffering from substance use disorders. This is a gradual shift from the traditional way of referring to persons in recovery or persons suffering from alcohol and drug abuse as drug addicts, junkies, alcoholics, etc.

During the two-day knowledge transfer workshop, participants were:

Updated on key developments and milestones on alcohol and drug abuse-related issues
Oriented on the Code of Conduct and Ethics of Journalism Practice in Kenya within the context of maintaining dignity and sensitivity to those affected by substance use disorders
Oriented on laws and policies on alcohol and drug abuse
Guided on investigative skills and tips to finding and writing winning stories.


At the end of the workshop, the following key recommendations were put forward for consideration:
1. NACADA to consider rolling out this type of training to cover more journalists, including senior editors and media executives;
2. Health journalists to proactively engage health and other sectors to enhance better health reporting;
3. NACADA to recognize work of heath reporters by sponsoring a category during the Annual Journalists Excellence Awards (AJEA);
4. To enhance alcohol and drug abuse reporting, NACADA and other partners to consider offering a grant to facilitate coverage of in-depth stories; &
5. NACADA to regularly share alcohol and drug abuse information with journalists.

21/08/2023

Guiding The Youth Away From Drugs Key In Achieving The Sustainable Development Goals
BLOG 15, Aug 2023
By Maawiya Mohammed

The Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth marks the 12th of August, International Youth Day. The day was first endorsed and celebrated in 1999 and 2000 respectively following a recommendation by the World Conference of Ministers of Youth held in Lisbon from 8 – 12 August 1998. The day was endorsed in order to recognize the role young people play in creating positive global change. It also aims to promote the youth’s voices and rights while also addressing the challenges that they face.

This year’s campaign focuses on showcasing young people’s resourcefulness, leadership, and resilience under the theme “Celebrating Ways Lead as Agents of Change for The Global Goals.” The day will be about acknowledging the ways in which the youth contribute towards the achievement of global goals. These global goals also referred to as sustainable development goals (SDGs), are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all with the youths being used as the driving force to achieving them.

This year’s youth day will be among the most campaigned for International Youth Days in a long time since the United Nations feel that for the first time in decades, the development progress of the SDGs is regressing. The UN feels the progress is reversing under the combined impacts of climate disasters, conflicts together with COVID-19 effects. It is because of this that the youth remain one of the greatest hopes to achieving sustainable development goals.

However, to the above saving grace - the youth - lies a common foe. The indulgence of youths in drugs poses the greatest challenge in them helping to achieve global goals. The World Drug Report 2023 says the youth populations are the most vulnerable to using drugs and are also more severely affected by substance use disorders in several regions across the world. In Africa, the report found that 70 percent of people in treatment are under the age of 35.

Here in Kenya, according to the latest National Survey on The Status of Drugs and Substance Use in Kenya released by the authority, one in every 11 youth aged between 15 and 24 were currently using at least one drug. Additionally one in every 5 youth aged between 25 and 35 were currently using at least one drug.
From the above statistics and numbers, we can clearly see that the youths are the most affected group by drugs. So, if they are the ones tasked with contributing to the achievement of the long-term SDGs then shouldn’t they be guided away from the menace that is drug abuse?

This can be achieved by getting them into programs to keep them busy considering idleness and peer pressure are among the top reasons why youth do drugs. They can then gather, exchange ideas, think of creative solutions, and contribute well to the achievement of global goals.

21/08/2023

NACADA Signs Memorandum Of Understanding With Eselle Foundation And Nation Media Group
NEWS 17, Jun 2023
The National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse was pleased to host the Eselle Group Foundation to foster a partnership that seeks to develop impactful programs targeted at uplifting recovering addicts.

Speaking during the event, Eselle Group Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Aveva shared that she launched the Foundation as a personal purpose-driven foundation whose core mission is to ‘put people first’. “Economic empowerment plays a crucial role in the recovery process. By offering sustainable livelihood opportunities, we can help all individuals break free from the cycle of addiction and create a brighter future for themselves,” said Ms. Aveva.

Prof. John Muteti, Acting CEO of NACADA expressed his appreciation for the initiative highlighting the difficulty individuals face after completing addiction treatment programs. He acknowledged that a notable obstacle they confront is the challenge of maintaining sobriety without structured support. “We strongly believe that this endeavor will be beneficial for Kenyans, particularly the youth,” said Prof Muteti.

Both parties recognize the fight against alcohol and drug abuse, including rehabilitation and re-integration requires concerted efforts and collaboration from interested parties.

09/06/2023

Welcome, Rev. Dr. Stephen Kiptoem Mairori, NACADA Board Chairperson

09/06/2023