NAIROBI, Kenya Apr 29 – The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has announced a significant extension of its 2026 National Senior School Essay Writing Competition deadline from March 28th to the end of May, opening doors for schools and students who may have missed the initial submission window.The competition, themed “Protecting Our Future: Making Drug-Free Choices in School and Beyond,” originally targeted senior school students in Grades 10, 11, and 12 – corresponding to Forms 2, 3, and 4 in the Kenyan secondary school system. The extension ensures that learners across all these grade levels have adequate time to prepare and submit their original, handwritten essays of 800–1,000 words in either English or Kiswahili.Speaking on the extension, NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Anthony Omerikwa said the move is part of implementing the presidential directive on the renewed fight against drug abuse in the country. President William Ruto has repeatedly declared a firm stance on eliminating the drug menace, particularly in learning institutions, directing all relevant agencies to scale up prevention and enforcement measures.“As part of implementing the presidential directive on the renewed fight against drug abuse, the Authority is implementing this substance use prevention strategy targeting school-going children as part of awareness creation through promoting their creativity,” Dr. Omerikwa said. “The President has been clear that we must protect our youth from the scourge of drugs, and this competition empowers learners to become ambassadors of change.”The competition also supports Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum, fostering critical thinking, self-efficacy, citizenship, and essential life skills such as decision-making, refusal skills, coping with peer pressure, and self-awareness. Topics range from substance abuse’s impact on academic performance to the role of schools, parents, and communities in prevention.Winning essays will be published in NACADA’s newsletter, with top three winners receiving certificates and trophies during the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26th, 2026. All participants will receive certificates.Students must submit essays through their school principals with a signed entry form. No personal identifying information should appear on the essay. Teachers may guide discussions but must not write or edit student work. Entries can be sent to NACADA, P.O. Box 10774, Nairobi, or via email at essay@nacada.go.ke.