Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Omerikwa has over 23 years of experience in Public Service.

Before joining NACADA, he worked for the World Bank as a Technical Consultant after serving as the CEO/Managing Trustee of the National Social Security Fund between 2019- 2022.  

He holds a Doctorate Degree from the University of Georgia, a Specialist Advanced Degree in Workforce Development and Education and a Master of Science Degree in Human Resource Development both from Pittsburgh State University. Further, Omerikwa holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from Kenyatta University.
Dr. Omerikwa is a member of the Institute of Human Resource Management, Institute of Directors and Kenya Institute of Management.

Director, Corporate Services

CPA Patrick Obura has over 14 years’ experience in Financial Management, Internal and External Auditing, Risk Management, Tax Consultancy, and Compliance Management.
Currently, Mr. Obura serves as the Director of Corporate Services at the Authority since June 2018 where he coordinates all support services ranging from Finance, Human Resources and Administration, ICT and Corporate Communications. Prior to joining NACADA, he was Senior Manager of Audit & Risk at the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK). 
CPA Patrick Obura holds a Master of Business Administration (Finance Option) and a Bachelor of Arts degree all from the University of Nairobi. He is also a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya and a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors Kenya. 
 

Director, Public Education and Advocacy

Dr. Yvonne Olando is the Director in charge of Public Education and Advocacy, responsible for public education, capacity development, public awareness and advocacy on alcohol and drug abuse. 

With over 15 years consolidated experience in the substance use prevention and management field, having practiced in the public and private sectors. She has vast experience as a Clinical Psychologist and a Certified International Addiction Professional (ICAP IV). She is a Tobacco Cessation Specialist (CTTS-MAYO, USA), Global Drug Demand Reduction Trainer (UNODC) and Global Master Trainer, Universal Treatment Curriculum (Colombo Plan). She is a World Heart Federation Emerging Leaders Fellow.

Dr. Olando holds a Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Nairobi. She also holds an MSc in Clinical Psychology from the same University and a Bachelors in Social Sciences (Psychology Major) from Moi University. Dr. Olando also holds other professional certifications from John Hopkins School of Public Health (USA), and Support for Addictions Prevention and Treatment in Africa (SAPTA).

Director Compliance and Enforcement

Mr. James Koskey has over 20 years’ experience in public sector and security issues. He served as a Senior Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government. He brings vast knowledge and experience in government policies and reforms. He has also served as a District Commissioner in various posts across Kenya.

He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Management from Mount Kenya University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and Public Administration. In addition, he is extensively trained in strategic leadership and development, conflict resolution and peace building, performance management, prevention and countering violent extremism and disaster management.

He is in charge of Compliance and Enforcement, Quality Control & Risk Management functions of the Authority.

Ag. Director Research, Standards and Licensing

Mr. Lelei has over 12 years’ experience in Economic Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Research. He holds two Masters Degrees in Economics and in Project Planning & Management both from the University of Nairobi. His Bachelor's Degree is in Education (Mathematics and Economics) from Moi University.

Currently, Mr. Lelei is in charge of the Policy and Planning department of the Authority.

Corporation Secretary and Director Legal Services

Mr Leackey Illa is the Corporation Secretary and Director of Legal Services for the Authority. He has over 15 years’ experience in legal practice across diverse areas, spanning several state agencies and departments.

He holds a Master of Law degree, a Bachelor of Law degree, both from the University of Nairobi, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law. He is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a Certified Public Secretary. He is a member of the Law Society of Kenya and the Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya.  

Director, Internal Audit

CPA Mbakaya has over 20 years of experience in Internal Audit, Risk Management, Administrative Management, Financial Management, Strategic Planning and Corporate Governance. Proven track record in fostering accountability and compliance, financial prudence and driving organizational success. 

He holds a postgraduate degree in Business Administration (Accounting Option) and a degree in Business Management (Accounting Option), is a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya (ICPAK), and is a member in good standing of both ICPAK and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).

Deputy Director, Corporate Communication

Mr Mwangi is an accomplished Development Communications Specialist with over 15 years of progressive experience in communications, spanning both the public and private sectors. He has deep expertise in strategic communication, having successfully conceptualized and executed high-impact communication initiatives across diverse institutions.

He holds a Master of Arts in Communication Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies from the University of Nairobi. He also earned a Professional Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication and an International Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, London.

He is a member of the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK) 

Deputy Director, Supply Chain Management

Mr. Muchembi holds a Master of Science in Procurement and Logistics, a Bachelor of Business Management (Purchasing and Supply option) degree and a Diploma in Supplies Management. He is a Licensed Supply Practitioner and is in charge of the Supply Chain Management Department.

Deputy Director, Human Resource and Administration

Ms. Joyce Lisanza holds an MBA (Corporate Management), a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management; CPS Part I and a Diploma in Human Resource Management. 
She joined the Authority in July 2017 and is in charge of the Human Resource and Administration Department overseeing recruitment, succession planning, training and development, employee compensation, development of HR policies and procedures, departmental work plans and general administration. 
 

Deputy Director, Finance and Accounts

CPA Salome Odek has over 15 years of experience in finance and accounts and holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance from the University of Nairobi, Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) from Kenyatta University and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K).

She is a registered Member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) and the Association of Women Accountants of Kenya (AWAK).

Deputy Director, Standards & Licensing

Dr. Makini is a consummate Accountant with over 20 years experience in financial management. He has immense experience in public finance management following an illustrious career in the public sector.

He holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in Strategic Management, and a Masters Degree in Finance from the University of Nairobi, he also hold a Bachelors Degree in International Business Administration (Finance Option) from the United States International University-Africa (USIU). He is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of good standing of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK). Mr. Makini is also a Certified Public Secretary of Kenya (CPSK).

He is in charge of coordinating research, Standards & Licensing and Policy Advisory on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

Deputy Director, Public Awareness and Advocacy

Ms. Judith Twala  holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Kenyatta University and BA. Theology (Hons) Degree from the Kenya Methodist University.
She has over 16 years experience as a Counseling Psychologist . Ms. Twala is a Certified International Addiction Professional.
She is also a Board Member of the Recovery Allies Learning Collaborative for Asia and Africa and a Certified Counselors' Supervisor.
Ms. Twala is In charge of the Public Awareness and Advocacy department, responsible for providing technical advice on matters relating to advocacy in the area of alcohol and drug abuse

Deputy Director, Public Education and Capacity Development

Dr. Maua is passionate about working with individuals and institutions across diverse settings to create environments where children, youth, and families can thrive. She holds a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from United States International University (USIU), a Bachelor of Psychology (Counselling) from the University of Nairobi, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and Governance, Democratization, and Public Policy from the International Institute of Social Studies (Erasmus University).
She is a Global Master Trainer on the Universal Prevention Curriculum Series and a Certified International Addiction Professional (ICAP-P), with over 20 years of consolidated experience in substance use prevention. Dr. Maua oversees operations in the Public Education and Capacity Development Department, providing technical leadership and quality assurance in capacity building and training.

Deputy Director Compliance

Mr. James Macharia has over thirty years’ experience in various public service sectors.

He coordinates all compliance activities related to reviewing reports on compliance checks identifying harmful ingredients and constituents of alcoholic drinks to be prohibited

Mr. Macharia holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Education degree from Moi University. He also holds a Diploma in Human Resource Management form the Kenya Institute of Management. In addition, he is extensively trained in strategic leadership and development, Information Technology and Education Management.

Deputy Director, Quality and Risk Management

Esther has vast experience in teaching and various other public service sectors with a passion for youth empowerment and development.

She coordinates all Quality and Risk Management activities in the Authority.
Esther holds a Master's in Education (G&C), Bachelor of Arts, Post-Graduate Diploma in Education, Post-Graduate Diploma in Management & Control of HIV/AIDS, Certified Mediator, and various Management Courses.