The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has yet again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to public education, youth empowerment and regulatory excellence by clinching five prestigious awards at the Mt Kenya ASK Branch Show held in Nanyuki.
The NACADA Laikipia County Coordination Office was lauded for its dynamic and informative exhibition, which effectively communicated the Authority’s core mandate of preventing and reducing alcohol and drug abuse across Kenya.
Speaking after the ceremony, CEO Anthony Omerikwa applauded the Laikipia team for their dedication and innovation in showcasing the Authority’s prevention strategies and programs.
“These awards affirm our commitment to safeguarding the well-being of Kenyans through education, research, and collaboration,” he said.
“Our presence at forums like the ASK Show is vital in taking the message of prevention to the grassroots and engaging directly with the public, especially our youth.”
NACADA emerged top in two key categories, winning First Prize for Best Regulatory Authority and Corporation Stand, and Best Government Social Functions Stand.
Additionally, the authority secured second prize in the categories of Stand that Best Interprets the Current Show Theme – Education and/or Research, and Best National Government Ministry Stand.
NACADA also took home Third Prize in the Best Stand in Youth Activities, Empowerment, and Capacity Building category.
The awards were presented by Governors Mutahi Kahiga (Nyeri), Joshua Irungu (Laikipia) and Kiarie Badilisha (Nyandarua).
They praised the participating agencies for their impactful outreach efforts and alignment with the show’s theme of innovation and transformation.
NACADA’s exhibit featured its flagship programs, including drug use prevention, community empowerment, school-based interventions, workplace wellness initiatives and stakeholder collaborations.
The stand drew hundreds of daily visitors, with highlights such as demonstrations on the dangers of drug abuse, access to counseling resources and policy advocacy tools.
Particularly notable was the recognition for youth empowerment, underscoring the Authority’s intensified campaigns targeting young people, the demographic most vulnerable to substance abuse.
Through active participation in platforms like the ASK Show, NACADA continues to reinforce its strategic mandate: raising awareness, shaping public discourse, and promoting a drug-free Kenya through evidence-based prevention and multi-stakeholder engagement.
“Our goal is clear—to create a society free from the harm of alcohol and drug abuse. Every award we receive is a reflection of the lives we’re working to transform,” Omerikwa noted.
