The State anti-drug agency has rallied the country to prioritise prevention as the first strategy in the war against alcohol, drug and substance abuse.

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has urged Kenyans to consider employing preventive measures against the abuse of drugs and alcohol.

Speaking on Thursday during national celebrations to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADA) held in Embu, NACADA Board chair Stephen Mairori, underscored the impact of prevention as one of the most effective avenues to end the rampant menace in society.

“Prevention is not only cost-effective but also one of the most sustainable strategies in this fight,” Dr Mairori said.

This, he said, can be achieved through starting economically viable initiatives that empower communities.

“By educating our youth, empowering families, and creating supportive environments, we can stop addiction before it starts. Every shilling spent on prevention saves countless lives and resources that would otherwise go into treatment and rehabilitation,” he said.

Themed “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention. Break the cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime,” the event, he noted, highlighted NACADA’s multi-sectoral approach to tackling alcohol and substance abuse across the country.

Eastern Regional Commissioner Paul Rotich lauded the authority’s efforts, noting that community engagement and awareness campaigns have significantly reduced drug-related harm in the region.

“NACADA’s work aligns with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda by fostering healthy, productive communities,” said Rotich.

He added: “When we prevent drug abuse, we secure our future workforce, reduce crime, and promote national development.”

The event also brought together government officials, community leaders, youth, and anti-drug advocates.

Similar celebrations were replicated across all 47 counties, with NACADA’s county coordinators leading marches, school sensitisation programs, and stakeholder forums.

Dr Mairori said this year’s IDADA celebrations serve as a “timely reminder—the best cure is stopping the problem before it begins” even as the country continues to grapple with the devastating effects of the menace.