Arise Media 
BY MUGO MWANIKI
Embu County is witnessing a shift in the fight against alcohol and drug abuse as the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) embraces a dialogue-driven approach to curb the crisis.
Moving away from punitive crackdowns, NACADA held a three-day sensitization forum at the Kenya School of Government, Embu Campus, bringing together national government officials and community leaders.
The initiative prioritizes education and community collaboration over arrests and prosecution.
Embu County Commissioner Jack Obuo emphasized the need for a new strategy, stating, “Dialogue and education are far more effective in helping individuals understand the long-term health risks of substance dependence than arrests alone.”
Sospeters Gitonga, the USAWA coordinator for Embu County, linked the region’s low education levels to rising alcohol abuse, urging parents to take greater responsibility in shielding children from early exposure to alcohol.
Youth leader Kelvin Murithi from Manyatta Constituency welcomed the initiative, noting that empowering young people with productive alternatives is key.
“We are raising awareness and educating the youth on how to use their time wisely and engage in activities that foster personal growth and development,” Murithi stated.
The forum also explored the role of community-based organizations in reducing alcohol and drug demand, as well as the need for stronger advocacy efforts to drive policy change.
With NACADA’s shift toward dialogue and education, stakeholders are optimistic that Embu County will see long-term improvements in the fight against substance abuse.
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