The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has received a Certificate of Recognition at the 2024 Financial Reporting (FiRe) Awards.

The accolade, presented on Friday, December 6 night in Nairobi, was under the category of Unqualified Report – International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), acknowledging the Authority’s exemplary commitment to sound financial management and accountability.

Speaking during the event, NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa expressed pride in the achievement, crediting the milestone to the Authority’s unwavering adherence to government policies and guidelines on resource utilization.

“This award is a testament to the robust systems and frameworks we have established to ensure prudent management of resources entrusted to us,” said Dr. Omerikwa.

“At NACADA, we understand that transparency and accountability are non-negotiable in delivering our mandate to fight against alcohol and drug abuse. This recognition motivates us to keep raising the bar.”

The FiRe Awards, a prestigious annual event jointly organized by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), and the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), celebrate excellence in financial reporting, corporate governance, and sustainability. It aims to encourage organizations to adopt high standards of financial reporting and compliance with international accounting principles.

NACADA’s recognition is particularly significant as it underscores the Authority’s commitment to aligning its financial reporting with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), the globally accepted accounting framework for public sector entities.

The CEO emphasized the efforts NACADA has undertaken to enhance resource management which include strengthening internal controls and governance structures, continuous capacity building for staff in financial management and compliance, leveraging technology to improve efficiency and accountability in reporting and regular audits to ensure adherence to legal and regulatory requirements.

“The public entrusts us with the responsibility of addressing alcohol and drug abuse, a critical issue affecting our communities,” the CEO noted.

“We must demonstrate integrity in every aspect of our operations, including how we manage financial resources. This award reflects our dedication to that responsibility.”

The recognition also reaffirms NACADA’s alignment with the government’s broader agenda of promoting transparency and fiscal discipline across public institutions. The Authority has consistently demonstrated its commitment to good governance and effective service delivery, making it a benchmark for other public sector entities.

Dr Omerikwa extended gratitude to the NACADA team and stakeholders whose dedication made the achievement possible.

“This recognition is not just for NACADA as an institution—it is a collective win for everyone who has contributed to our success. From the board to management and staff, your commitment to excellence continues to make a difference,” the CEO remarked.

As NACADA continues its mission to combat alcohol and drug abuse, the recognition by the FiRe Awards serves as a reminder of the importance of financial integrity in achieving impactful outcomes. The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining high standards of financial reporting and resource utilization to better serve the Kenyan public.

With this milestone, NACADA joins a distinguished list of public and private organizations recognized for their financial stewardship, further solidifying its position as a trusted leader in public sector accountability.