The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has announced the winners of the National Essay Writing Competition for high school students. The initiative, which aimed to engage students in meaningful discussions on substance use prevention, attracted 410 participants from 30 counties across the country. A total of 301 girls and 109 boys submitted essays exploring various themes related to drug and alcohol abuse prevention.
The winners, alongside their teachers, were recognized during the recently concluded National Substance Use Prevention Week in Nairobi. The competition provided students with a platform to share their insights and recommendations on tackling drug abuse within school environments and society at large.
“The thematic areas included strategies for avoiding alcohol and drug abuse, the influence of social media on substance use, youth empowerment, the role of parents in prevention, creating safe school environments, supporting peers struggling with addiction, and Kiswahili essays,” NACADA stated.
In the English category, Ivanka Blessing Odera from Moi Girls Isinya School emerged as the overall winner. Vallary Racheal from St. Mary’s Mumias Girls High School secured second place, while Wesley Lambaric Mmbaya from Njiiri School finished in third place. In the Kiswahili category, Rhoda Kanoti from St. Mary’s Girls Igoji took the top spot, followed by Maryanne Wangeci Wambugu from Birithia Girls Secondary School and Joy Chepchumba from Kipsigis Girls High School.
A special category for students with disabilities was also included in the competition. Odiero Dancan Ochieng from Joyland Special Secondary School in Kisumu emerged as the best in this category, while Okumu Sarah Mical took second place.
NACADA CEO Anthony Omerikwa commended the participants for their insightful and thought-provoking essays, describing them as a testament to the power of youth in driving change. “These young visionaries have penned essays that challenge norms, inspire action, and ignite hope for a drug-free Kenya. Their creativity and dedication remind us that prevention is power and that young people are key to achieving a healthier, safer society,” Omerikwa stated.
The competition also yielded valuable recommendations from students on addressing drug use in schools. Among the proposed measures were the introduction of trained sniffer dogs and random dormitory checks, investment in security and surveillance cameras, enforcement of strict expulsion policies for students found with drugs, integration of drug prevention initiatives into extracurricular activities, and the use of branded merchandise as advocacy tools.
NACADA reiterated its commitment to empowering young people as ambassadors of change in the fight against drug and substance abuse. “This competition is not just about recognizing talent but also about equipping our youth with the knowledge and skills to lead the charge in creating a drug-free Kenya. We encourage all students to participate in future editions and join us in this noble cause,” Omerikwa concluded
