JKUAT Staff Equipped with Professional Skills to Combat Substance Abuse - Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

*Dr. Yvonne Olando (right) awarding a participatory certificate to Judy Waithera, one of the graduands*

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology’s efforts in fighting the menace of alcohol and drug abuse moved a notch higher after 76 staff members trained by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) graduated at the institution on Friday, October 4, 2024.

The staff graduated in the Family-Based Prevention Interventions category under the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (ADAP) program.

The development comes at a time when the government is rolling out an intensified campaign to curb the rising drug and alcohol abuse menace that has affected mostly the youth.

This paves the way for the NACADA to unveil a comprehensive strategy aimed at tackling the issue through prevention, enforcement, rehabilitation, and public awareness initiatives.

Speaking during the graduation, NACADA CEO, represented by Dr. Yvonne Olando, (Director Public Education, Advocacy and

*Catherine Soila (left) receives her certificate from Prof. Florence Mwaura*

Rehabilitation), congratulated the graduates for their hard work, dedication, and perseverance and for completing the rigorous program.

Dr. Olando stated that the graduation marked the culmination of their commitment to becoming champions of health and well-being in their communities.

“You have equipped yourselves with the knowledge and skills that will enable you to make lasting impact in the battle against substance abuse,” added Dr. Olando.

“As we celebrate your accomplishments, we must also reflect on the challenges that lie ahead. Alcohol and drug abuse continue to be significant threats to our nation’s development, affecting individuals, families, and entire communities. The statistics are stark, but behind every statistic is a life, a family, a community that has been harmed by the scourge of substance abuse,” she said.

“You are the future of the fight against alcohol and drug abuse, and I have every confidence that you will rise to the occasion.

*Rev. Dr. Wakaba awarding a participatory certificate to Ms. Nancy Mukami*

As you embark on your careers, I encourage you to stay true to the values of integrity, compassion, and perseverance that have been instilled in you during this program. Your work will not always be easy, but it will be meaningful and transformative,” she added.

In congratulating the graduands on behalf of the JKUAT Vice Chancellor, the Principal College of Human Resource Development (COHRED), Prof. Florence Mwaura said the world we live in is filled with temptations and pressures that can lead to substance misuse.

“As graduates, you are now equipped with the knowledge and tools to combat these challenges. You’ve learned not only about prevention strategies but also about the importance of compassion, understanding, and support in the recovery process,” said Prof. Mwaura.

“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for you. As you begin to rehabilitate those affected in the community, carry with you the values you’ve developed from the training: empathy, resilience, and advocacy,” advised Prof. Mwaura. “Your role will be vital in raising awareness, educating others, and dismantling the stigma surrounding addiction,” she added

The Chairman of ADAP in JKUAT, Rev. Dr. James Wakaba, said the graduation marked a significant milestone in the graduands’

*A section of the graduation attendees keenly following the proceedings*

journey to become advocates, educators and professionals dedicated to the fight against substance abuse in the communities.

He encouraged them to leverage the knowledge, and skills to tackle the menace and make a difference.

“We are reminded of the troubling statistics of the growing challenges that alcohol and drug abuse pose to our society. Substance abuse continues to destroy lives, disrupt families, and hinder the development of our youth,” said Dr. Wakaba.

“It affects not only individuals but also the social and economic fabric of our nation. However, I am confident that the graduates we celebrate today will be agents of change, leading efforts to reduce and prevent alcohol and drug abuse,” he added.

The success of the training program exemplifies the partnership between NACADA and JKUAT as an exemplary model of academic institutions and government agencies in tackling real issues. The trained professionals are expected to make impactful contributions to societal transformation.