July 2, 2026 – A Grade 10 student from Kilifi County has been named the national winner of the 2026 National Senior School Essay Writing Competition on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, emerging from a record-breaking pool of over 1,100 entries from across the country.

The competition, organized by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), saw Faith Munyazi Wugoma, a Grade 10 learner from Helping Hands Senior School in Kilifi, secure the top spot. She was followed by Rukia Abdi, a Form 4 student from Garbatulla Girls Secondary School in Isiolo, and Angel Wangari, a Grade 10 learner from AIC Morop Girls Senior School in Nakuru.

Themed “Protecting Our Future: Making Drug-Free Choices in School and Beyond,” the competition was launched as part of the government’s intensified strategy to combat substance abuse, following a presidential directive to strengthen prevention efforts, particularly among young people.

NACADA Board Chairperson, Bishop Dr. Stephen Mairori, lauded the participants for their powerful and insightful contributions, emphasizing the critical role of youth in shaping a drug-free Kenya.

“Prevention is not an optional line item; it is our most strategic investment in Kenya’s tomorrow. The passion and clarity displayed by these students in their essays demonstrate that our young people are not just the future; they are powerful agents of change today. Their voices are a testament to the resilience and conscious choices being shaped by family, faith, and personal conviction,” said Bishop Dr. Mairori.

NACADA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Anthony Omerikwa, highlighted the alignment of the competition with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and Life Skills Education framework, which fosters critical thinking and responsible decision-making.

“Through this competition, we are empowering learners to become ambassadors of change in their schools and communities. By engaging students in critical reflection on issues like peer pressure and the role of families and schools, we are reinforcing the life skills they need to resist drugs and support their peers positively,” said Dr. Omerikwa.

In a special recognition of inclusivity, the competition also celebrated the participation of learners with disabilities. Sirat Mahad, a student from Ngala Secondary School for the Deaf in Nakuru County, submitted a compelling video presentation on “The impact of alcohol and drug abuse on academic performance and discipline.” Her submission demonstrated the remarkable level of engagement among differently abled learners and underscored that every young voice matters equally in the fight against substance abuse.

Dr. Omerikwa commended her contribution, noting, “Inclusion is not just about access; it is about ensuring that every learner, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to be heard and to contribute to shaping a drug-free future for Kenya.”

The competition attracted 1,153 students from 132 schools across 39 counties, demonstrating significant national engagement. Students submitted handwritten essays of 800 to 1,000 words in either English or Kiswahili, exploring thematic areas including:

• The impact of substance abuse on academic performance and discipline.
• Peer pressure, social media, and substance use.
• The role of schools in creating safe learning environments.
• Strategies for resisting drugs and supporting peers.
• Parental and community responsibility in protection.

Thematic Area Winners:

The competition also recognized outstanding essays within specific thematic areas, highlighting the depth and breadth of student perspectives.

• Topic: The role of schools in creating safe and drug-free learning environments: Faith Munyazi Wugoma (Kilifi)
• Topic: Parental and community responsibility in protecting learners from drugs: Rukia Abdi (Isiolo)
• Topic: How students can resist drugs and support peers positively: Angel Wangari (Nakuru)

In recognition of the immense effort and participation, all students who entered the competition, along with their teachers and schools, will receive certificates of recognition for their commitment to the fight against alcohol and drug abuse. Additionally, the national and county-level winners will receive plaques and other attractive rewards in honor of their outstanding contributions. The top three national winners, alongside county champions, will be officially awarded during a ceremony to be announced by the Authority. Their winning essays will also be published in a special NACADA newsletter to amplify their messages.

NACADA has committed to building on the competition’s success. Recommendations from the marking team and insights from the student essays will be used to refine future interventions. The Authority plans to strengthen school mobilization, enhance inclusivity for learners with disabilities, and explore avenues such as creative writing and digital storytelling to attract wider participation.

Annex I: County Winners Performance Summary

The competition identified top-performing students in all participating counties. The table below lists the county champions and their respective schools.

Annex II: Top Performers by Thematic Area

The competition assessed essays across five thematic areas. The top three winners in each are as follows:

Topic 1: The impact of alcohol and drug abuse on academic performance and discipline

1. Malaba Purity Nanjala (Kakamega)
2. Tabitha Kareha (Kilifi)
3. Alinur Hussein Issack (Mandera)

Topic 2: Peer pressure, social media, and substance use among students

1. Tabitha Wanjiku (Nakuru)
2. Purity Mueni Musyoki (Machakos)
3. Susan Mwajuma (Nakuru)

Topic 3: The role of schools in creating safe and drug-free learning environments

1. Faith Munyazi Wugoma (Kilifi)
2. Elisheba Masitsa (Tharaka Nithi)
3. Nicole Mwende (Tharaka Nithi)

Topic 4: How students can resist drugs and support peers positively

1. Angel Wangari (Nakuru)
2. Claire Osebe Ayunga (Nakuru)
3. Aisha Hussein (Isiolo)

Topic 5: Parental and community responsibility in protecting learners from drugs

1. Rukia Abdi (Isiolo)
2. Eliab Kipruto (Nandi)
3. Cinthia Wambui (Nyeri)