The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has called on parents to take a more active role in combating the rising tide of drug abuse among young people. This call to action came during a community outreach event held at Lilongwe Stadium in Mutituni, Machakos County.
Speaking during the World Drug Day commemorations, NACADA Board Director Florence Amoit emphasized the vital role parents play in prevention efforts. “Parents, let’s be vigilant, alert, and available. Our youths need guidance, and it must begin at home,” said Amoit.
She noted that NACADA has invested significantly in public education campaigns promoting positive parenting, stressing that many cases of substance abuse can be traced back to childhood experiences at home. “We’ve conducted public education on positive parenting because most drug and substance abuse originates from how a child is brought up,” she added.
This year, NACADA selected Mutituni for the event after identifying it as a hotspot for drug activity. “We chose Mutituni because it’s one of the areas we’ve flagged for urgent intervention,” Amoit explained.
To connect with the youth, NACADA sponsored football matches during the event. Kamuthanga Queens faced off against Mua Queens in the women’s match, while Kamuthanga FC played Freetown Simba FC in the men’s game. The sporting activities were part of a broader strategy to engage young people positively through sports and mentorship.
“We have hosted a football tournament to keep youths engaged, help them develop their skills, and ultimately steer them away from drug abuse,” said Amoit.
Beyond community events, NACADA has intensified its crackdown on illicit brews and drug distribution across the region. The authority continues to collaborate with law enforcement in targeting black spots and has partnered with schools to provide life skills training and guidance to students. It also works closely with rehabilitation centers to ensure access to care for those struggling with addiction.
Locally, NACADA is collaborating with community-based organizations such as Jiwakilishe and Youth for Sustainable Development (YSD) to offer mentorship and support for the youth in Machakos County.
As Amoit concluded, “World Drug Day is not just about reflection; it’s a call to action—especially action that starts at home.”
