NACADA partners with Clergy in North Rift to tackle drug and alcohol abuse

The collaboration was unveiled during a meeting attended by NACADA Board Chair Bishop Dr Stephen Mairori, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, and clergy from across the region. 

Discussions focused on concerns over the increasing availability of illicit alcohol, narcotics, and growing incidents of unrest in schools.

Religious leaders at the meeting expressed concern about the impact of substance abuse on families and communities, noting reports of addiction among increasingly younger age groups.

Bishop Mairori said the partnership aligns with ongoing government efforts to combat drug and substance abuse across the country.

"NACADA is committed to working closely with faith leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and community awareness programmes aimed at protecting young people from substance abuse," he said.

Under the partnership, NACADA and religious institutions will collaborate on public awareness campaigns, community outreach initiatives and advocacy efforts, while supporting government agencies in the fight against illicit alcohol and drug trafficking.

Koskei emphasized the need for a multi-sectoral approach, saying the fight against drug abuse requires the involvement of families, schools, religious institutions, communities and law enforcement agencies.

The meeting also addressed broader social concerns, including national cohesion and cases of unrest in learning institutions. Clergy called for stronger collaboration among parents, teachers and faith-based organizations to promote discipline and safeguard learners.

The North Rift region has for years faced challenges related to alcohol abuse, with authorities increasingly raising concerns over emerging drug trafficking networks. Officials said the new partnership seeks to strengthen community-based interventions alongside enforcement measures aimed at reducing substance abuse and its social consequences.