On 16 September 2026, ISSUP Kenya, together with the Youth Initiative Development Programme (YIDP) and the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO (KNATCOM), convened the National Pre-Summit Breakfast Engagement in Nairobi under the theme, “Play Strong, Live Long: Tackling Alcohol Use, Substance Use and Mental Health in the Sports Community.”
The event brought together professionals and stakeholders from mental health, sport, physical activity, education, healthcare, substance use prevention, treatment and recovery. It also marked the conclusion of a three-day visit to Kenya by ISSUP Regional Coordinator for Africa, Radolf Nortey.
Dr Mercy Karanja, President of the Kenya Psychiatric Association, attended as Chief Guest, with Radolf Nortey participating as a speaker and Dr Orpha Nyakundi of KNATCOM delivering special remarks. A diverse group of experts and practitioners also contributed to the discussions, bringing perspectives from across the sectors represented.
The engagement provided an important platform for evidence-informed dialogue, exchange of experiences and stronger collaboration across the sports and mental wellness ecosystem. Discussions explored the intersections between alcohol and other substance use, mental health, physical activity and sport, as well as opportunities for more coordinated approaches to promoting wellbeing within sporting communities.
A key feature of the programme was a baseline presentation on Physical Activity, Mental Health and Sport delivered by ISSUP Kenya Country Director Dr Pamela Kaithuru. The presentation provided an opportunity to reflect on the current landscape, identify gaps and consider areas for coordinated action ahead of the National Summit on Mental Wellness, Physical Activity & Sport 2026.
The discussions throughout the morning reinforced the value of bringing together sectors that do not always work closely with one another. Participants considered how expertise across youth, substance use prevention, treatment, sport, education and healthcare can be better connected to support healthier and more resilient individuals and sporting communities.
The Pre-Summit Breakfast also built on a series of engagements held during Radolf’s visit with ISSUP Kenya Country Director Dr Pamela Kaithuru, members of the Executive Committee and youth representatives. These included meetings with key national institutions working across mental health, counselling and professional regulation, providing opportunities to strengthen relationships and explore areas for future collaboration.
In his closing remarks, Collins Ojambo of YIDP invited participants, partners and sponsors to continue the conversation at the National Summit scheduled for November 2026. The programme was moderated by Mr Kauma of YIDP and Nkatha Mwenda, PR and Media Lead for ISSUP Kenya.
The engagement demonstrated the value of partnership in connecting substance use prevention with wider conversations around mental health, physical activity and sport. As preparations continue towards the National Summit, ISSUP Kenya looks forward to building on the discussions and partnerships established through the Pre-Summit engagement and supporting stronger, coordinated action for healthier and more resilient sporting communities.
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