Students Win Cash Prizes in NACADA Essay Competition

The National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has announced the winners of its essay competition.

NACADA in statement on Saturday February 22, 2025, announced Ivanka Blessing Odera from Moi Girls Isinya School as the best in English category.

According to the authority, Vallary Racheal from St. Mary’s Mumias Girls High School came second while Wesley Lambaric Mmbaya from Njiiri School emerged third.

In the Kiswahili Category, Rhoda Kanoti from St. Mary’s Girls Igoji was the best. Maryanne Wangeci Wambugu from Birithia Girls Secondary School came in second while Joy Chepchumba from Kipsigis Girls High School finished third.

NACADA noted that Odera emerged the best in the competition that involved participants from different schools.

“After months of fierce competition, deep insights, and powerful storytelling, the winners of the National Essay Competition on Drug Use Prevention were finally announced,” stated NACADA.

“These young visionaries have penned thought-provoking essays that challenge norms, inspire change, and ignite hope for a drug-free Kenya. These young minds have proven that prevention is power and that words can be a force for good. Drop an appreciation to cheer them on and encourage others to participate in the next round.”

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NACADA awards winners cash prizes

The competition’s special category went to Joyland special secondary school from Kisumu with Odiero Dancan Ochieng scooping the best position while Okumu Sarah Mical came second.

Winners got Ksh 20,000 while 1st runners up and 2nd runners up got Ksh15,000 and Ksh10,000 respectively. Each student was awarded a plaque while their teachers pocketed Ksh10,000. 

NACADA organized the essay competition for high/secondary school students in Kenya seeking to stimulate substance use prevention conversations and spur students’ active participation in drug use prevention for a healthy nation.

Furthermore, the essay competition aims to promote and encourage creative thinking through writing.

NACADA report 2024

On February 13, NACADA realised its 2024 report on drug and substance abuse in Kenyan universities.

According to the survey, 45.6% of students had used a drug or substance of abuse in their lifetime. 

During the release of the report, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen who was the chief guest called for an investigation into university students who have remained on campus for years, suggesting that some may be involved in illicit activities.

Murkomen stated that certain students at the University of Nairobi had amassed wealth and influence while staying in school indefinitely.

Also Read: NACADA Issues Warning After Video of Students Captured Hanging Out of Moving PSV

“We will start investigating students who have been in the university forever. At the University of Nairobi, there have been notorious students who never finish school, and they are very rich and extremely influential, and they are in the leadership,” said Murkomen.

The Interior CS also urged the Inspector General of Police to enhance security operations near universities and called for increased intelligence gathering to curb drug abuse on campuses.

His remarks came amid growing concerns over drug abuse among university students.

Moreover, the NACADA survey showed that friends are the primary source of drugs in universities, accounting for 66.4 per cent off cases. 

Canteens, bars, and nearby premises follow at 59.3 per cent, while fellow students within institutions rank third at 56 per cent. Online purchases via websites and social media account for 39.4 per cent.

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