A Grade 10 student from Kilifi County has emerged as the overall winner of the 2026 National Senior School Essay Writing Competition on alcohol and drug abuse prevention after outperforming more than 1,100 learners from across the country.
Faith Munyazi Wugoma of Helping Hands Senior School clinched the top prize in the competition organised by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), which attracted 1,153 entries from 132 schools in 39 counties.
Rukia Abdi, a Form Four student from Garbatulla Girls Secondary School in Isiolo, finished second, while Angel Wangari of AIC Morop Girls Senior School in Nakuru secured third place.
The competition, themed "Protecting Our Future: Making Drug-Free Choices in School and Beyond," forms part of the government's renewed campaign to tackle alcohol and drug abuse among young people following a presidential directive to strengthen prevention efforts.
NACADA Board Chairperson Bishop Dr. Stephen Mairori said the quality of the essays reflected the growing awareness among students about the dangers of substance abuse.
"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 Mairori.
NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Anthony Omerikwa said the competition complements the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) by encouraging learners to develop critical thinking and decision-making skills.
"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," he said.
The authority also recognised learners with disabilities for their participation, singling out Sirat Mahad of Ngala Secondary School for the Deaf in Nakuru County, who submitted a video presentation examining how alcohol and drug abuse affects academic performance and discipline.
Dr. Omerikwa praised the student's effort, saying, "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."
According to NACADA, students submitted handwritten essays of between 800 and 1,000 words in either English or Kiswahili. The essays tackled issues including the impact of substance abuse on education, peer pressure, social media, the role of schools in prevention, strategies for resisting drugs, and the responsibility of parents and communities.
Faith Munyazi also topped the category on creating safe and drug-free learning environments, while Rukia Abdi won the section on parental and community responsibility in protecting learners. Angel Wangari emerged the best in the category focusing on how students can resist drugs and support their peers.
All participants, together with their teachers and schools, will receive certificates of recognition, while national and county winners will be awarded plaques and other prizes during a ceremony to be announced later.
NACADA also revealed that the winning essays will be published in a special newsletter to amplify students' messages on drug prevention.
Following the record participation, the authority said it plans to expand the competition by increasing school participation, strengthening inclusion for learners with disabilities, and introducing creative writing and digital storytelling to reach more young people in future editions.
