MCADO is a community-based organization implementing integrated drug prevention and youth empowerment programs in Mathare, Nairobi. Since 2018, we have reached over 500 vulnerable youth across 12 communities through evidence-based interventions in prevention, mentorship, and economic empowerment.
Mathare Community Anti-Drugs Organization (MCADO) is a registered community-based organization founded in 2018 by trained community leaders through a partnership with CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America).
MCADO works at the frontline of drug prevention in one of Nairobi’s most underserved informal settlements. Our approach integrates community engagement, youth mentorship, and economic empowerment to address the root causes of alcohol and substance abuse.
We collaborate with stakeholders including National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) and local institutions to deliver sustainable, community-driven solutions.
Dedicated community leaders who are driving MCADO.
Founder & Executive Director
Chair Person
Vice Chair Person
Treasurer
Secretary
Programm Manager
Fashion & Design
Lifeskills And mentorship
Media
Member
Member
We have four programmes .
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.
From the streets to a space of opportunity — MCADO is changing lives. 💻✨
Due to financial constraints, I was initially unable to continue with my computer programming lessons. However, upon joining MCADO safe space digital project, I had the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers. Through collaboration and shared learning, we were able to advance our programming skills to the next level. This experience highlights the power of community, support, and collective growth in overcoming barriers to education
After school, I had nowhere to go. We were often rounded up by police, wrongly labeled as criminals and drug peddlers. But everything changed when I joined the MCADO Resource Centre. I found a safe space, access to internet, and a computer to learn, create, and build my future.
Raised in Mathare, I witnessed poverty, inequality, and limited opportunities firsthand. Inspired by my late mother’s values of hard work and integrity, I lead MCADO in empowering youth, preventing drug abuse, and driving community change. From a small initiative to a growing force, we are creating pathways of hope, dignity, and opportunity through community-driven solutions.
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 at All Saints.
Annual 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 Two 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.
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.
Report Of Previous Events We Have Had .