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The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) launched its Strategic Plan 2023-2027 at a prominent Nairobi hotel on Wednesday. The event marked a significant step in the fight against alcohol and drug abuse in Kenya.
Representing the Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo, Principal Administrative Secretary Ms. Beverly Opwora emphasized the severe threat that alcohol and drug abuse pose to national safety and security. She highlighted the numerous fatalities caused by adulterated alcohol, decreased productivity, health complications, and the rise in organized crime and violence. “In 2024, over 2.8 million liters of illicit and counterfeit alcohol were seized, alongside 6,000 kilograms of bhang, resulting in nearly 30,000 arrests,” Opwora stated, noting that the most affected regions were Nairobi, Central, Rift Valley, Nyanza, and Western.
Dr. Anthony Omerikwa, MBS, Chief Executive Officer of NACADA, elaborated on the strategic plan’s development, describing it as a product of an extensive consultative process involving the Board, staff, and stakeholders. “The plan envisions a nation free from alcohol and drug abuse by leading a coordinated campaign through a multiagency approach to demand and supply reduction,” he said. The authority aims to adopt a multi-pronged approach in prevention, advocacy, compliance and enforcement, policy formulation, and strategic research.
Dr. Omerikwa further emphasized the importance of creating a culture of ultimate performance and excellence within NACADA to achieve outstanding results that meet or exceed stakeholders’ expectations. He expressed optimism about proactively adapting to future challenges and leveraging existing opportunities to fulfill NACADA’s mandate.
Board Chairperson Rev. Dr. Stephen Mairori underscored the strategic plan’s alignment with the Government’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda and the Fourth Medium Term Plan. “The plan charts a solid course for the next five years as the authority seeks to address the challenges associated with alcohol and drug abuse and related harm,” he stated.
Dr. Mairori pointed out that the plan requires a total of Ksh. 12.213 billion, while the projected resource envelope stands at Ksh. 5.997 billion, resulting in a resource gap of Ksh. 6.216 billion. He called for innovative resource mobilization strategies, including strategic partnerships and collaborations with national government agencies, county governments, faith-based organizations, civil society, and the public. These efforts are essential to bridging the resource gap and supporting the plan’s priorities.
The unveiling of the Strategic Plan 2023-2027 signifies NACADA’s commitment to a comprehensive and coordinated response to alcohol and drug abuse in Kenya. By mobilizing resources and fostering collaborations, NACADA aims to create a safer, healthier nation free from the devastating effects of substance abuse.
