A grassroots organization providing safe spaces, skills training, and community support to keep Mathare's youth drug-free and full of purpose.
Mathare Community Anti-Drugs Organization (MCADO) is a grassroots-based, non-profit, non-political community-based organization established in 2018. Founded by concerned community leaders trained at the Kenya Government School through a partnership with CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America).
We provide a safe resource centre where young people learn, grow, and find purpose — keeping them away from drugs while also supporting people living with disabilities.
Dedicated community leaders working every day to transform Mathare.
Founder & Executive Director
Chair Person
Vice Chair Person
Treasurer
Secretary
Programm Mnager
Fashion & Design
Member
Member
Three flagship programs targeting the root causes of drug abuse and community vulnerability.
This creates a platform for open engagement between community members and key duty bearers, including government representatives and stakeholders.
The program aims to:Through structured forums and outreach activities, the program strngthenstrust,collaboration, and collective actionwithin the community
Student-run clubs delivering vital education on drug prevention and mental wellness.
The Sports Program uses football and other sporting activities as a major tool foryouth engagement, talent development, and drug prevention. It targets young youths aged 12-18 years, providing a safe and inclusive space for growth.
The initiative focuses on:The team was established by a former beneficiary of the organization, reflecting acommunity-led approach to youth empowerment. The program continues to nurture talent while reinforcing the message of "Sports Over Drugs"
The program currently supports 20 young women aged 16-19 years, both in and out of school, dawn from differentvillages within Mathare. Female participants constitute 100% of the beneficiaries.
The components of the program include:The program Aims toenhance self-reliance, restore dignity, and create sustainable income opportunities for the participants
Targeted support programs for children, youth, and women in Mathare.
Child rights protection and safe spaces for children in slum communities.
Health Club focuses on child rights protection, awareness, mentorship, and safe spaces for children in informal settlements.
Leadership development, confidence building, and career guidance for youth.
Young Leaders develops leadership skills, confidence, and career guidance for teenagers and young adults.
Skills training, advocacy, and economic empowerment for women.
Supports women through vocational training, advocacy, economic empowerment programs, and community support networks.
Real stories from beneficiaries whose lives have been transformed through our programs.
Before MCADO found me, I was deep in drug abuse and had no hope. The community dialogue program helped me understand I wasn't alone. Today I am sober, employed, and mentoring other youth in Mathare.
After joining the Young Leaders program at 15, Sarah gained the confidence and skills to return to school. She now leads her school's anti-drug club and wants to become a counselor.
Through the Toto Club, 8-year-old Kevin now attends regular after-school sessions where he learns, plays, and is protected from the dangers on the streets of Mathare.
I was raised in the Mathare informal settlement, I experienced firsthand the systemic challenges of poverty, limited access to education, and social inequality. These early experiences shaped his deep understanding of the barriers facing vulnerable communities and continue to inform his work today. My leadership and values are deeply rooted in the legacy of my late mother, who instilled in me the principles of hard work, discipline, and faith. Her influence continues to guide his commitment to service, resilience in adversity, and integrity in leadership. Under my leadership, MCADO has grown from a small community initiative into a recognized organization partnering with stakeholders across Africa. The organization implements programs focused on drug and substance misuse prevention, youth empowerment, education support, and community development—impacting hundreds of young people and families. I have represented MCADO in various conferences and collaborative platforms, building partnerships that strengthen local solutions to global challenges. My vision is to scale sustainable, community-driven models that break the cycle of poverty and create pathways for opportunity. My work reflects a strong belief that lasting change begins within communities. With strategic support and partnerships, I continue to expand MCADO’s reach and deepen its impact—offering hope, dignity, and opportunity to those who need it most..
My mother remains my greatest source of inspiration, even in her absence. She taught me the values of hard work, discipline, and prayer, which continue to guide my life every day. Through her example, I learned to stay committed, face challenges with strength, and trust in God in all circumstances. The principles she instilled in me shape not only who I am today but also the work I do through MCADO. Her legacy lives on in my actions, my purpose, and my dedication to serving others
Stay updated on our activities, events, and community impact across Mathare.
MCADO partnered with NACADA to run a week-long drug prevention campaign across five schools in Mathare, reaching over 800 students with awareness sessions and counseling.
The event, which marked the second national prevention week, brought together diverse stakeholders commited to addressing alcohol and drug misuse in Kenya.MCADO contributed to the organization of a "Sober party," an innovative youth-friendly platform designed to promote drug-free lifestyles while creating space for reflection, awareness and community engagement. The event served as an opportunity to commemorate progress made prevention efforts, strengthen parnerships among stakeholders and amplify advocacy messages on the importaance of prevention, especially among youth in formal settlements.
Twenty young mothers from the economic empowerment program successfully completed vocational training and received start-up kits to launch their small businesses.
Our quarterly community dialogue brought together youth, elders, boda boda riders, and faith leaders for an open conversation on drug abuse, unemployment, and community solutions.
Day-to-day work creating lasting change across Mathare.
Visiting homes and connecting families to essential support services.
Our outreach programs identify vulnerable children and connect families to education, health, and food assistance.
Providing learning materials, mentorship, and tutoring for children.
We support children with school supplies, tutoring programs, and academic guidance to improve performance and school retention.
Leadership training, career talks, and life skills for young people.
Leadership training, career talks, and life skills workshops prepare young people for employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
MCADO regularly convenes youth and other community members in structured engagement and reflection sessions focused on alcohol, drug and substance abuse.
These forums create a safe and open spaces for participants to share personal experiences and insights, discuss challenges, and collaborate on solutions. Through guided discussions, peer learning and mentorship, the sessions provide critical insights into the root causes of substances abuse, including unemployment, peer pressure and limited opportunities
Glimpses of our community work across Mathare.
We value your feedback and would love to hear from potential partners, volunteers, and supporters.
Get quarterly reports, newsletters, and event updates from MCADO.
📞 +254 720 203621
📧 josepharthur22@gmail.com
📍 Mathare, Nairobi, Kenya