Grade 10 student from Kilifi wins NACADA national essay competition on drug abuse prevention

Faith Munyazi Wugoma of Helping Hands Senior School won the competition, while Rukia Abdi, a Form 4 student at Garbatulla Girls Secondary School in Isiolo County, finished second. Angel Wangari, a Grade 10 learner at AIC Morop Girls Senior School in Nakuru County, placed third.

Organised by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), the competition was held under the theme "Protecting Our Future: Making Drug-Free Choices in School and Beyond." It forms part of the government's efforts to strengthen substance abuse prevention among young people.

NACADA Board Chairperson Bishop Dr. Stephen Mairori said the quality of the entries reflected growing awareness among learners about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse.

"Prevention is our most strategic investment in Kenya's future. The passion and clarity displayed by these students demonstrate that young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also active agents of change today," he said.

NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Anthony Omerikwa said the competition complements the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) by promoting critical thinking, responsible decision-making and life skills.

"Through this competition, we are empowering learners to become ambassadors of change in their schools and communities. By reflecting on issues such as peer pressure and the role of families and schools, students strengthen the skills needed to resist drugs and support their peers," he said.

The competition also recognised inclusive participation, with Sirat Mahad of Ngala Secondary School for the Deaf in Nakuru County receiving special recognition for a video presentation on the effects of alcohol and drug abuse on academic performance and school discipline.

Dr. Omerikwa said the submission demonstrated the importance of ensuring that learners with disabilities are fully included in prevention initiatives.

Students submitted handwritten essays of between 800 and 1,000 words in either English or Kiswahili, addressing topics including the impact of substance abuse on academic performance, peer pressure and social media, the role of schools in promoting drug-free environments, strategies for resisting drug use, and the responsibilities of parents and communities.

Faith Munyazi Wugoma also won the thematic award for the best essay on the role of schools in creating safe and drug-free learning environments. Rukia Abdi received the award for the best essay on parental and community responsibility in protecting learners from drugs, while Angel Wangari won the category on how students can resist drugs and positively influence their peers.

NACADA said all participants, their teachers and schools will receive certificates of recognition, while national and county winners will be honoured with plaques and other awards at a ceremony to be announced later. The winning essays will also be published in a special NACADA newsletter.

The authority said lessons drawn from the competition will help shape future prevention programmes, with plans to expand school participation, strengthen inclusion of learners with disabilities, and introduce creative writing and digital storytelling to encourage broader engagement.