The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has denied any involvement in mandatory drug testing policies at Kenyan secondary schools, including Maranda High School, which required students to undergo testing before the 2022 academic year. A 2019 photo of students in a classroom, shared in the original report, accompanied the agency’s clarification.
In a statement issued on January 6, 2022, NACADA emphasized it does not conduct drug tests and has not mandated schools to enforce such procedures. The agency stated there is no Kenyan law permitting schools to compel students to undergo drug testing, noting, "The Authority wishes to clarify that it does not conduct any drug testing."
NACADA advised against relying solely on mandatory drug tests to address school unrests, citing research showing their limited effectiveness as standalone solutions. The agency recommended adherence to the 2021 National Guidelines for Alcohol and Substance Use Prevention and Management in Basic Education Institutions, which outline evidence-based strategies for creating drug-free learning environments.
The statement highlighted that drug testing should be part of a comprehensive intervention program, emphasizing licensed facilities and a continuum of services for substance abuse management. NACADA pledged support for schools implementing these frameworks while stressing that negative test results do not guarantee students are free from substance use.
The debate over school drug testing continues, with NACADA reiterating its commitment to providing resources for institutional safety and well-being.
