NACADA: 30% of university students have consumed alcohol
By William Muthama, August 18, 2025The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has raised alarm over rising alcohol consumption among young people, revealing that nearly one in three university students has consumed alcohol.
In a statement issued on Monday, August 18, 2025, NACADA said the findings from the National Survey on Drug and Substance Use in Universities, 30.4 per cent of students have consumed alcohol, 12.2 per cent are current drinkers, and 10.4 per cent engage in binge drinking, with male students disproportionately affected.
“These figures depict a concerning trend of alcohol abuse jeopardising the future of our youth,” NACADA said in a statement issued on Monday, August 18, 2025.
Murkomen’s 100-day crackdown
Backing ongoing efforts to curb the crisis, NACADA welcomed a new government directive targeting illicit alcohol in Kiambu County. The initiative, announced by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, will run for 100 days under the Rapid Results Initiative (RRI).
“The Authority welcomes the directive by the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen, on a 100 Days Rapid Results Initiative to combat illicit alcohol targeting manufacturers, retailers, and consumers in Kiambu County,” the statement read.
The Authority said the move followed feedback from the public in Kiambu, who have voiced serious concerns about the destructive effects of illicit alcohol.
Full government backing
NACADA pledged full cooperation with both national and county governments, alongside law enforcement and community stakeholders, to ensure the success of the crackdown.
“As the primary government agency responsible for leading the fight against alcohol and drug abuse, NACADA pledges its full support to the directive,” the statement continued.
The Authority further announced plans to scale up public education campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers of illicit brews, as well as enhance monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to measure the impact of the 100-day operation.
“This marks the first day of the RRI, and NACADA is fully committed to ensuring the momentum is sustained beyond the 100 days,” said NACADA