Drug and alcohol abuse in this country still remains a menace; there is a need to rehabilitate those addicted to it and stem the proliferation of this ill. The recent report by the National Campaign Against Drug Abuse Authority (NACADA) showing that over 4.9 million Kenyans aged 15 – 65 years are addicted to at least one drug is disquieting. The report that also indicated that the highest burden of substance use disorders (SUDs) lies in alcohol consumption further recorded that there is an increase in the intake of drugs especially illicit alcohol in Nairobi, Eastern, Coast and Western regions.
These statistics ought to be given utmost importance in the national and County Government programmes as well as from other players like churches if Kenya is to save future generations from the scourges of drug abuse. Alcohol abuse has been attributed to desolation, laziness and lack of sufficient income in certain households; its vices are immeasurable ranging from unkempt families, crime, and prostitution among other evils that bring down a generation. The impact on future generations unfathomable; noting that some counties like Nyeri have previously recorded worrying statistics of schools drop out and families not bearing children because of alcohol.
To stem the possible calamities associated with drug abuse, all those who are addicted need to be rehabilitated and used as mentors to those who may be in the early stages of drugs intake. It is noted that a significant number gets into drugs out of peer pressure, and as such a similar number can withdraw given the right influence. Programmes like the Kaa Sober in Kiambu County that is rehabilitating drunkards and offering alternatives to desperation and income sources through employment and skills enhancement ought to be duplicated in the rest of the country.
NACADA needs to step its operations of combating illicit brews, especially in areas where the brewing is considered a main source of income. Rehabilitation of drunkards is also a collective task and everyone in the society should be committed to contributing to the mentorship of drunkards as well as the elimination of illegal brews. To save the future generations, Kenyans needs to remain sober and instead divert the energy to personal and country’s development.
