NACADA extends 2026 School Essay Competition deadline to end of May

The move reopens participation for senior school students in Grades 10, 11 and 12 (Forms 2, 3 and 4) who may have missed the initial submission window. Participants are required to submit original, handwritten essays of between 800 and 1,000 words in either English or Kiswahili.

This year’s competition is themed “Protecting Our Future: Making Drug-Free Choices in School and Beyond,” with a focus on raising awareness about substance abuse among learners. Topics include the impact of drug use on academic performance and the role of schools, families and communities in prevention.

NACADA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Omerikwa said the extension is part of ongoing efforts to align prevention programmes with directives on addressing drug abuse among young people.

The initiative comes amid renewed government focus on curbing substance abuse, particularly in learning institutions, following directives issued by William Ruto to strengthen both prevention and enforcement measures.

Winning entries will be featured in NACADA’s newsletter, with the top three participants set to receive awards during the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, 2026. All participants will receive certificates.