NACADA calls for safety, sobriety and drug-free schools as new term begins
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, April 27, 2026The National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has made a strong plea for everyone to take responsibility for making sure that children are safe and healthy as students across the country go back to school for a new term.
In a timely reminder on their X handle on Monday, April 27, 2026, NACADA has emphasised that going back to school is about more than books, uniforms, and academic preparation. The authority has said that it is also a critical moment to foster safe, supportive, and drug-free environments that allow learners to thrive both socially and academically.
“Back to school: More than books and uniforms. It’s about creating safe and supportive environments for our children,” the NACADA statement on X read.
A call to stakeholders
As schools reopen, the authority has made clear what different groups of people need to do. Drivers of public service vehicles (PSVs) have been told to show up to work sober, which shows how important they are for making sure students get to school safely. NACADA warned that reckless or impaired driving puts young lives at unnecessary risk and makes it harder to keep kids safe.
Parents, on the other hand, have been encouraged to initiate open and honest conversations with their children. NACADA said that talking to kids at home is a great way to stop drug and alcohol abuse because it helps them deal with peer pressure and other outside influences.
Schools were also told to take strong action right away at the start of the term. To protect students’ futures and positively shape their behaviour, NACADA has stressed the importance of strengthening drug-free policies, improving guidance and counselling programmes, and ensuring that schools are safe places for them to be.
“As the new term begins, PSV drivers report to work sober, parents initiate open conversations, and schools reinforce drug-free policies from day one. A safe start sets the tone for the entire term,” NACADA added.
According to NACADA, a safe and well-structured start to the school term sets the tone for the months ahead. When all stakeholders play their part, the learning environment becomes not only secure but also conducive to growth and success.
The authority concluded by stressing the importance of unity in protecting the nation’s future, noting that the responsibility of raising safe and healthy children rests on everyone: parents, educators, transport providers, and the wider community.
“Together, we protect our future,” NACADA affirmed, calling for sustained vigilance and cooperation throughout the school term.