BREAK THE CYCLE: Convo Africa Joins NACADA for IDADA Day 2025

On 26th June 2025, Convo Africa joined hands with NACADA, Dozi Foundation, ZI Igniters, Health Charge Kutus, Azriel Rehab Centre, Kimbimbi, Mwea Serenity Counseling and Treatment Centre and other partners at the IDADA Day event in Kangai, Kirinyaga County. Themed “Break the Cycle: The Evidence is Clear – Invest in Prevention,” the event marked a bold stand against substance abuse and organized crime in Kenya.

Spearheaded by NACADA’s Kerugoya office under Catherine Kimui, the day brought together youth, local leaders, community advocates, and prevention champions to confront a growing crisis.

The Alarming Reality of Substance Abuse

Substance abuse in Kenya has reached critical levels:

• 1 in every 6 Kenyans aged 15–65 is currently using at least one addictive substance.
• Cannabis use has nearly doubled in the past five years—now affecting 1 in every 53 adults.
• Among university students, nearly 50% have experimented with drugs, and over 1 in 4 are active users.
• Alcohol remains the most abused substance, followed by tobacco, miraa (khat), and cannabis.
• Children as young as 10 have been found exposed to substances through schools, peers, and social spaces.

Globally, over 3 million people die annually due to harmful use of alcohol and drugs, with men accounting for more than 75% of those deaths (WHO, 2024).

The Message is Clear: Prevention Saves Lives

The Pillars of Prevention: A Roadmap to Action

1. Educate the Youth Early – before substances reach them
2. Control Access and Distribution – eliminate supply and availability
3. Protect Our Communities – build safe, informed, and resilient neighbourhoods

These three pillars guide the fight—not just to treat substance abuse—but to prevent it altogether.

Your Role in Breaking the Cycle

Everyone has a stake in a drug-free Kenya as NACADA reiterated. Here’s how you can contribute:

• Learn about substance abuse and its warning signs
• Speak up—advocate for prevention programs in your school, church, or neighbourhood
• Report drug-related activity to the authorities
• Support those in recovery—restore their dignity and help them rebuild

A Message to the Youth of Kenya

You are not the targets—you are the promise of our nation.
Choose mentors, not meths.
Choose purpose, not pills.
Stand firm. We believe in you.

A Challenge to Leaders and Policymakers

“Invest in prevention programs today, or prepare for hospital beds and prison cells tomorrow.”

NACADA committed to scaling up school-based prevention, calling on national and county leaders, CSOs, religious institutions, and individuals to take action now.

Convo Africa’s Ongoing Commitment

At Convo Africa, we continue to amplify awareness and prevention through our flagship mental health initiative, Healing is Possible (HIP). Participating in events like iDada reaffirm our mission to spark meaningful conversations, equip youth, and walk with communities toward healing and resilience.

This is more than a campaign. It’s a movement. A stand. A declaration where we say:
Enough is enough.

Let’s Break the Cycle, together.