TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya

The usually quiet streets of Embu came alive with colour and resolve as Kenya marked the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADA) on June 26.

The event was led by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA).

This year’s national event brought together government representatives, community heads, youth organisations, and anti-drug campaigners, all rallying behind the global theme: “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention. Break the cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime.”

The event aimed to raise awareness about the growing threat of substance abuse and highlight the role of preventive strategies in safeguarding communities.

Speaking to during the celebrations, NACADA Board Chair Stephen Mairori said prevention must be at the heart of the fight against drug and alcohol abuse.

“Prevention offers not just a cheaper approach but also a long-lasting solution in tackling substance abuse. By guiding young people, strengthening families, and fostering positive surroundings, we can halt addiction before it takes root. Every coin invested in prevention spares lives and reduces the heavy costs linked to treatment and recovery,” he said.

Also present at the event was Eastern Regional Commissioner Paul Rotich, who praised NACADA’s community-driven approach and said it aligned well with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

He noted that increased public awareness and grassroots engagement have already contributed to a noticeable decline in drug-related harm in some parts of the country.

“NACADA’s work plays a vital role in securing our future workforce, reducing crime and promoting national development,” Rotich said.

Celebrations were not limited to Embu. NACADA’s county coordinators led similar events across all 47 counties, including school sensitisation programmes, stakeholder forums and community marches.

From Mombasa to Turkana, the nationwide activities aimed to spread a consistent message that investing in prevention today secures the wellbeing of future generations.

In a related story previously covered by , NACADA won five top awards at the Mt. Kenya ASK Branch Show in Nanyuki.

The awards recognised NACADA’s outstanding efforts in public education, youth empowerment, and policy advocacy. The Authority's Laikipia County Coordination Office stood out with a creative and interactive exhibition that demonstrated its mandate to prevent and reduce alcohol and drug abuse across Kenya.

NACADA took first place in best regulatory authority and corporation stand, and best government social functions stand. It also scooped second place in the education and research category, and the best national government ministry stand.

The third award came in the youth empowerment category, recognising its continued commitment to equipping young people with knowledge and support to avoid substance abuse.

Source: TUKO.co.ke