The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has issued a firm reminder that drug prevention measures in schools are mandatory and not open to compromise, urging all stakeholders to act with urgency.

In a statement released on Thursday, September 4, 2025, through its official X platform, NACADA emphasised that existing national guidelines must be adhered to without fail, pointing directly to the role of schools and communities in shaping the country’s future.

“The National Guidelines are clear: prevention in schools is non-negotiable. Let’s hold ourselves accountable,” the agency declared.

The authority stressed that the issue of drug prevention is not just about ticking policy boxes but about safeguarding the lives and well-being of students across the country. According to the agency, ensuring compliance with school prevention frameworks is a duty for all involved, from policymakers to local communities.

“This isn’t just a recommendation, it’s our mandate,” NACADA stated, adding that the conversation around prevention should not be treated as optional advice but as an urgent national responsibility.

Parents, teachers urged to act

NACADA’s message comes at a time when concerns around the rising influence of drugs and substance abuse among learners continue to generate alarm among parents and education stakeholders. The agency’s post made it clear that any negligence in implementing school-based prevention measures directly endangers Kenya’s future generations.

“It’s a call to action for educators, administrators, parents, and communities,” the statement noted, underscoring that the task cannot be left to schools alone but requires a collective push to make a lasting impact.

The authority concluded its message with a rallying reminder of what is at stake. “Our students’ well-being and future depend on the policies we implement today,” NACADA said.

The strong words signal a renewed effort by the anti-drug body to place school prevention policies at the centre of Kenya’s war on drugs. With schools often being the first point of exposure to risky behaviour, NACADA insists that only proactive, consistent measures will shield young people from the devastating effects of substance abuse.