Alcoholism in Central Kenya: Fighting Back

(KENYA) In Kenya, as in many parts of Africa and the world, alcoholism is a major social problem. It is particularly an issue in the central area of Kenya where many unemployed youth use and abuse alcohol.

It affects them, their families, and the communities where they live. (See this 2010 news article from the BBC)

World Renew, through its partner ADS Mt. Kenya, works in central Kenya and has observed this phenomenon. Communities, organized through their community development committees (CDCs), have spearheaded the fight against alcoholism in this region. They realize that they need two things to defeat this addiction: to understand the problem better and to persuade people addressing it will improve everyone’s lives.

In October 2014, the CDCs conducted a household survey to uncover the extent of alcoholism in the Kiganjo area. The results were surprising. About 70 percent of the households were living with at least one alcoholic. CDC representatives met with local leaders to share their findings in November 2014. The meeting included members of the provincial administration, religious leaders, county government officials, and bar owners.

Together, the group decided that they needed to take action to fight back against alcohol addiction in their community. They met again in January 2015 to develop an action plan, and a committee of the religious leaders, government officials, bar owners, and CDC representatives was formed to spearhead the implementation of the plan. In addition, the county government made a commitment to initiate establishing a rehabilitation center in the region within two years.

The CDC members realized that they need training in alcohol rehabilitation before they could proceed much further, they organized a workshop for the project stakeholders in November 2014 and Invited experts from Serenity Rehabilitation Center (a reputable rehabilitation center in Nairobi) to conduct the half-day training.

The training was an eye-opening experience for most of the participants. They testified that they now had a more balanced understanding of alcoholism and would respond to the issue holistically. They realized the need to prioritize rehabilitation of alcohol addicts and conduct preventative campaigns with school-going youths who are not yet addicted.

‘We have been expecting the chief, assistant chiefs, and police to end alcoholism for us,” one training participant said. “I now realize we, the community members, have an even bigger role to play. Rather than fighting against the alcoholics among us, we need to fight back against alcoholism and then, work together more to help our sons and husbands.”

Pray for Kenya

Praises

for the hiring of Jenninah Kabiswa as the new Kenya country director.
for opportunities to grow in our partnerships and for sustainable impacts at the community level.

Prayers

for safety and security for ourselves, family, staff, and partners in our homes and as we travel.
for wisdom and strength as we effectively implement our World Renew Kenya strategic plan as a team.