Kiambu: Kiambu County joined the world in marking International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADA) 2025 at Karuri Medical Training Center (KMTC). The event was attended by officials from the County government and local community-based organizations to raise awareness on drug abuse prevention and provide support mechanisms for those affected by addiction.
According to Kenya News Agency, the celebration, themed ‘Break the Chains: Prevention, Treatment, Recovery,’ was led by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) Kiambu/Murang’a office, Kiambu County Government through the Alcohol and Drug Control Agency (ADCA) Board, the Kiambu Anti-Alcohol and Drug Abuse Coalition (KAADAC), and partner organizations including Recovery Coaches community-based organizations and Uhai Kenya, an NGO.
Speaking at the event, Wilfred Mbogo, Kiambu County ADCA Coordinator, emphasized the importance of a unified approach in combating drug and substance abuse, particularly among youth. He highlighted the county’s focus on education, psychosocial support, and reintegration, along with enforcement measures. He noted the county’s commitment to scaling up prevention campaigns, rehabilitative support, and policy enforcement to address rising addiction trends.
Lydia Wambui, chairperson of KAADAC, mentioned that to amplify the impact of the event, various booths were set up around the KMTC grounds. These offered free counseling services, educational materials, and one-on-one guidance sessions with recovery specialists. She stressed the importance of early education for youth, emphasizing that drug abuse is not a lifestyle but a trap, and that prevention is more effective than rehabilitation.
According to a 2022 report by NACADA on the trends of drug and alcohol abuse in the country, one in every six Kenyans aged 15 – 65 years (4,733,152) were currently using at least one drug or substance of abuse. With renewed commitment from government agencies, civil society, and grassroots organizations, the county continues to break the chains of addiction and champion a healthier, drug-free future for its youth.