NACADA Launches 2026 National School Essay Competition to Curb Drug and Alcohol Abuse

By : Mweru Mbugua

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has launched the 2026 National Senior School Essay Writing Competition, targeting senior school students across Kenya as part of efforts to combat alcohol and drug abuse among young people

The competition, themed “Protecting Our Future: Making Drug-Free Choices in School and Beyond,” seeks to empower learners to take an active role in substance abuse prevention through critical thinking, reflection, and advocacy

Speaking during the launch, NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Anthony Omerikwa said the initiative aligns with the government’s intensified prevention strategy following President William Ruto’s directive to strengthen measures against alcohol and drug abuse

“Through early education, youth empowerment, and community engagement, we can reduce the demand for alcohol and drugs, protect our young generation, and secure a brighter future,” Dr. Omerikwa said

The competition is open to students in Grades 10, 11, and 12. Participants are required to submit an original, handwritten essay of between 800 and 1,000 words, written in either English or Kiswahili. All submissions must be original and unpublished

Entries, accompanied by a duly signed and stamped school entry form, must be submitted by Friday, March 28, 2026

Students are encouraged to explore topics such as peer pressure, the impact of substance abuse on academic performance, the role of schools, parental and community responsibility, and the importance of positive peer support in preventing drug and alcohol abuse

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The initiative is aligned with Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and the Life Skills Education framework, reinforcing key competencies including critical thinking, self-efficacy, responsible citizenship, and effective communication

Winning essays will be published in the NACADA newsletter, with awards presented during the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADA) on June 26, 2026. Teachers of winning students will also receive certificates of recognition

Dr. Omerikwa urged all eligible students to participate, describing the competition as an important platform for young people to express their ideas and contribute to building a drug-free Kenya. Detailed guidelines and entry forms are available on the NACADA website