JKUAT Hosts Students Sensitization Forum on Alcohol Control and Non- Communicable Diseases.
By Grace Wendo,
In a spirited effort to combat the rising threat of alcohol abuse and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among the youth, JKUAT, through the Office of Sports and Entertainment and the Office of Health and Accommodation, in conjunction with NCD Alliance Kenya, held a dynamic student sensitization forum on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at SCC 100.
Themed “Alcohol Control & Non-Communicable Diseases,” the event brought together students, health experts, and policy advocates for an afternoon of awareness creation, education, and entertainment. Student leaders Imali Brenda, the Secretary for Health, and Clinton Odhiambo, Secretary for Sports and Entertainment, opened the session by highlighting the importance of creating safe spaces for youth to learn and talk about pressing health issues. They emphasized the need for collective responsibility in reducing the harmful use of alcohol and promoting mental well-being on campus.
The event featured key speakers, including
Citing the 2024 NACADA research on drug abuse prevalence in universities, Mr. Kamau shared findings from a sample of 15,730 respondents across public and private institutions, with a response rate of 99.7%. He underlined the urgent need for evidence-based policies to curb substance abuse among students.
The session went beyond statistics, offering students knowledge on how lifestyle decisions made in their youth can contribute to or prevent non-communicable diseases such as cancer, hypertension, liver disease, and diabetes. Mr. Kamau left students with a powerful message: “No candle loses its light while lighting another candle. Never
stop sharing, caring, and helping others, because it makes our lives more meaningful.”
Dr. Jebet K. Boit from the Division of Mental Health at the Ministry of Health delved into “Alcohol policy measures: an international and regional perspective”. She emphasized the SAFER package, a WHO-backed initiative that promotes effective alcohol control strategies and explores the complex relationship between mental health and substance use.
Mr. Benjamin Odhiambo from SCAD Kenya, a youth-centric organization promoting sobriety and healthy lifestyles for the most vulnerable 10–24-year-old youth, urged students to take charge of their habits early, reinforcing that “One can live a full life without alcohol.”
Ms. Dorothy Wawira, a mental health champion at JKUAT, captured the hearts of many with her moving remarks, “Alcohol is often used as an escape. People run from reality because they don’t want to face it. But you can’t pour from an empty cup, take time to invest in yourself, and take care of your mental health.”
Mr. Gideon Ayondo of NCD Alliance Kenya highlighted the high vulnerability of young people to non-communicable diseases, noting that early alcohol consumption significantly increases long-term health risks. He urged students to make informed decisions and avoid alcohol use as a coping mechanism.
The session was moderated by MC Luvai, whose energy kept the audience engaged throughout. Students were also treated to an electrifying performance by our alumnus Denver Cockey, who has also mentored many students in the sports and entertainment industry on how to improve their talents and use them positively to better their lives
wholistically.
The attendees were rewarded with free merchandise and refreshments, thanks to the support of partners such as SCAD, NCD Alliance Kenya, JKUAT Red Cross Chapter, JKUSMA, JKUSNA, YLLAP, and others. This forum served not just as a platform for sensitization but as a call to action for students to lead lives anchored in health, self-awareness, and accountability. As JKUAT continues to champion student well-being, events like these reaffirm its
commitment to nurturing a healthier generation.
