Murkomen Reappoints Hassan Kirua Ole Naado to NACADA Board Amid Intensified Fight Against Drug Abuse

Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has reappointed Hassan Kirua Ole Naado to the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) Board for a further three-year term, effective September 2, 2026.

The reappointment, published in Gazette Notice No. 13513 dated August 21, 2026, follows powers granted under the National Authority for the Campaign Against Drug Abuse Act, 2012. Ole Naado, who currently serves as NACADA board member and National Chairman of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), brings over 25 years of expertise in governance, peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and countering violent extremism.

Government’s Multi-Faceted Approach to Drug Abuse

This move aligns with the government's escalated efforts to curb alcohol and drug abuse nationwide. Recent NACADA data revealed that approximately 4.7 million Kenyans aged 15 to 65 use at least one substance of abuse, with the Coast region, particularly Mombasa County, experiencing the highest rates.

President William Ruto has announced plans to establish an Anti-Narcotics Unit within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to strengthen enforcement. However, the government's strategy extends beyond law enforcement to include prevention, early intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Focus on Youth and Prevention

NACADA continues to spearhead initiatives targeting young people, who are highly vulnerable to substance abuse. In February 2026, the authority hosted the National Substance Use Prevention Week, engaging policymakers, civil society, and communities to bolster prevention efforts.

Additionally, NACADA launched a national essay competition for senior school students themed "Protecting Our Future: Making Drug-Free Choices in School and Beyond," encouraging youth dialogue on resisting peer pressure and understanding the risks of drug use.

The authority estimates that over 1.3 million Kenyans require treatment and rehabilitation for substance use disorders, underscoring the necessity of combining enforcement with health and social interventions.

Strengthening Collaboration

Ole Naado’s renewed appointment comes at a pivotal time as Kenya seeks to enhance coordination among national agencies, counties, religious groups, schools, and treatment providers in addressing the drug challenge.

The 2025 National Policy on the Prevention of Alcohol, Drugs and Substance Use continues to guide these efforts, emphasizing prevention, demand reduction, treatment, and rehabilitation as integral components of a comprehensive response.