Kilifi Student Tops National NACADA Essay Competition After Beating 1,100 Learners Nationwide

A Grade 10 student from Kilifi County has taken top honours in the 2026 National Senior School Essay Writing Competition on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, emerging as the winner from more than 1,100 participants drawn from schools across Kenya.

Faith Munyazi Wugoma of Helping Hands Senior School clinched the top position in the competition organized by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA). She beat a record field of 1,153 students drawn from 132 schools in 39 counties.

NACADA Celebrates Top Essay Winners as Youth Anti-Drug Ambassadors

Rukia Abdi, a Form Four student from Garbatulla Girls Secondary School in Isiolo County, finished second nationally, while Angel Wangari, a Grade 10 learner from AIC Morop Girls Senior School in Nakuru County, came third.

The competition was held under the theme “Protecting Our Future: Making Drug-Free Choices in School and Beyond” as part of the government’s intensified efforts to curb alcohol and drug abuse among young people following a presidential directive to strengthen prevention programmes.

NACADA Board Chairperson Bishop Dr. Stephen Mairori said the quality of essays submitted demonstrated that young people are ready to take an active role in combating substance abuse.

“Prevention is not an optional line item; it is our most strategic investment in Kenya’s tomorrow. The passion and clarity displayed by these students in their essays demonstrate that our young people are not just the future; they are powerful agents of change today. Their voices are a testament to the resilience and conscious choices being shaped by family, faith, and personal conviction,” said Bishop Mairori.

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

“Through this competition, we are empowering learners to become ambassadors of change in their schools and communities. By engaging students in critical reflection on issues like peer pressure and the role of families and schools, we are reinforcing the life skills they need to resist drugs and support their peers positively,” he said.

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Learners with Disabilities Recognized

The authority also recognized the participation of learners with disabilities, highlighting the contribution of Sirat Mahad, a student at Ngala Secondary School for the Deaf in Nakuru County.

Sirat earned special recognition for a video presentation titled “The Impact of Alcohol and Drug Abuse on Academic Performance and Discipline,” which stood out for advancing inclusion in anti-substance abuse advocacy.

Dr. Omerikwa said every learner should have an equal opportunity to contribute to the country’s drug prevention efforts.

“Inclusion is not just about access; it is about ensuring that every learner, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to be heard and to contribute to shaping a drug-free future for Kenya,” he said.

Record Participation

According to NACADA, the 2026 edition attracted 1,153 handwritten essays from students in 132 schools across 39 counties, making it the largest competition since its inception.

Participants submitted essays of between 800 and 1,000 words in either English or Kiswahili covering key topics such as:

• The impact of alcohol and drug abuse on academic performance and discipline.
• Peer pressure, social media and substance use.
• The role of schools in creating safe learning environments.
• Strategies for resisting drugs and supporting peers.
• The responsibility of parents and communities in protecting learners.

Best Essays by Theme

Faith Munyazi also emerged as the best writer on the role of schools in creating safe and drug-free learning environments.

Rukia Abdi won the thematic category on parental and community responsibility in protecting learners from drugs, while Angel Wangari topped the category on how students can resist drugs and positively support peers.

Other thematic winners included Malaba Purity Nanjala of Kakamega, who produced the best essay on the impact of alcohol and drug abuse on academic performance and discipline, and Tabitha Wanjiku of Nakuru, who won the category on peer pressure, social media and substance use among students.

Winners to Receive Awards

NACADA said all participating students, teachers and schools will receive certificates of recognition for supporting the campaign against alcohol and drug abuse.

National winners and county champions will also receive plaques and other prizes during an awards ceremony to be announced later. Their winning essays will be published in a special NACADA newsletter to amplify messages promoting drug-free schools and communities.

The authority said recommendations from the competition will help shape future prevention programmes, with plans to strengthen school participation, improve inclusion for learners with disabilities and introduce creative writing and digital storytelling initiatives to reach more young people.

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County Winners Performance Summary

 Top Performers by Thematic Area

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