The Conscientization Role in Mitigating Drug and Substance Abuse Among Youth of Pcea Nanyuki Presbytery, Laikipia County, Kenya

This study investigates the role of conscientization a Freirean process of raising critical awareness and promoting transformative action in addressing drug and substance abuse among youth in the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA), Nanyuki Presbytery, Laikipia County, Kenya. Despite the church’s active involvement, substance abuse continues to be a significant issue, with many young people experimenting with or regularly using drugs. Church-led interventions have had limited success, with high relapse rates, largely due to fragmented approaches, stigma, and a lack of evidence-based practices.