NACADA To Go After Social Media Influencers and Content Creators

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has unveiled a new initiative aimed at curtailing the promotion of drug use on digital platforms.

This move comes in response to growing concerns about the influence of social media on young Kenyans’ attitudes towards substance abuse.

In a recent press statement, NACADA expressed alarm over the proliferation of content that glorifies or normalizes drug use on social media platforms.

The Authority emphasized that such material poses a significant threat to ongoing efforts to combat substance abuse, particularly among vulnerable youth demographics.

NACADA stated,

NACADA highlighted that the promotion, advertisement, or encouragement of drug use contravenes the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act of 2010. The Authority issued a stern warning to digital content creators:

Recognizing the critical role of parents and guardians in shaping young minds, NACADA urged increased oversight of children’s online activities. The Authority provided specific recommendations:

NACADA emphasized the ethical obligations of social media platforms and content creators, stating:

This digital initiative is part of a broader campaign against substance abuse in Kenya. On September 5, a multi-agency operation led to the arrest of 15 individuals for operating an illegal alcohol outlet.

NACADA CEO Anthony Omerikwa elaborated on the arrests, explaining that the individuals were apprehended for “operating the outlet without requisite licences and for selling alcohol to minors.”

The operation, conducted in collaboration with the national police service, targeted establishments in Bamburi, Kisauni, and the Central Business District that were found to be in violation of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act of 2010.