The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has officially rolled out the 2026 National Senior School Essay Writing Competition, targeting learners in senior schools across the country. The initiative is part of a broader national strategy aimed at preventing alcohol and drug abuse among young people through education, awareness, and youth engagement. The competition seeks to give students a platform to voice their thoughts, experiences, and solutions on substance abuse while encouraging responsible decision-making both in and out of school.
The 2026 essay competition is themed “Protecting Our Future: Making Drug-Free Choices in School and Beyond.” According to NACADA, the theme reflects the urgent need to empower learners to actively participate in substance abuse prevention efforts. By encouraging critical thinking, self-reflection, and advocacy, the competition aims to nurture informed and responsible young citizens who understand the dangers of drug and alcohol use and are willing to champion positive change within their communities.
Government’s Broader Anti-Drug Strategy
Speaking during the official launch, NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr Anthony Omerikwa said the competition forms part of the government’s intensified prevention campaign, following a directive by President William Ruto to strengthen measures against alcohol and drug abuse. Dr Omerikwa noted that early intervention through education is key to reducing demand for harmful substances among young people. He emphasised that empowering learners with knowledge and life skills can play a critical role in safeguarding Kenya’s future generation.
By investing in early education, youth empowerment, and community involvement, we can significantly reduce substance abuse and secure a healthier, more productive future for our young people,
Dr Omerikwa Who Can Participate
The competition is open to senior school students in Grades 10, 11, and 12 from across Kenya. Participants are required to submit an original, handwritten essay ranging between 800 and 1,000 words, written in either English or Kiswahili. NACADA has stressed that all submissions must be original, unpublished, and completed by the students themselves. Each entry must be accompanied by a signed and stamped school entry form to be considered valid.
Submission Deadline and Key Dates
Students and schools have until Friday, 28th March 2026, to submit their entries. Late submissions will not be accepted, and learners are encouraged to plan ahead to avoid last-minute rushes. Winning essays will be recognised during the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADA), marked annually on 26th June. The awards ceremony will take place as part of national commemorations in 2026.
Suggested Essay Topics
Participants are encouraged to explore a wide range of issues related to substance abuse, including:
- Peer pressure and decision-making
- The impact of drugs and alcohol on academic performance
- The role of schools in prevention
- Parental and community responsibility
- Positive peer influence and support systems
These topics are designed to help learners connect personal experiences with broader social responsibilities.
Alignment with CBC and Life Skills Education
NACADA noted that the competition aligns with Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and the Life Skills Education framework. Through essay writing, students are expected to demonstrate competencies such as critical thinking, communication skills, citizenship, self-awareness, and self-efficacy. The initiative reinforces the idea that education goes beyond exams, equipping learners with practical skills to navigate real-life challenges.
Recognition and Rewards
Winning essays will be published in the NACADA newsletter, giving students national recognition for their ideas and creativity. In addition, awards will be presented to top-performing students during the IDADA celebrations. Teachers who mentor winning students will also receive certificates of recognition, acknowledging their role in guiding learners and promoting substance abuse prevention.
Call to Action
Dr Omerikwa urged all eligible students to take part in the competition, describing it as a unique opportunity to express their views and contribute to building a drug-free Kenya. He encouraged schools, parents, and teachers to support learners throughout the process. Detailed competition guidelines and official entry forms are available on the NACADA website.
