Cleric Warns of Lost Generation as Alcoholism Spreads in Central Kenya

A cleric has expressed alarm that Kenya is on the brink of losing numerous young individuals to alcohol and drug abuse.
The religious leader lamented that middle-aged men and women are consuming alcohol early in the morning and remaining idle throughout the day.
Many are seen unable to walk home, instead resting and sleeping by the roadside. When approached, they often request small amounts of money, typically not exceeding Sh 50, he noted.
Bishop James Njenga, national chairman of Voice of Men and Children (Vomec), stated that many affected by alcohol and drug dependence rely on their families for food, beverages, and shelter, irrespective of their age.
He expressed sorrow that the central region is particularly affected, with numerous addicts visible in trading centers and villages each morning.
Bishop Njenga highlighted Ndeiya ward in Limuru constituency as an example, noting that many youths, including secondary school students, have been impacted.
He attributed the increase in alcoholism and drug abuse to the easy availability of these substances, stressing that stronger control measures are necessary.
“We have many young people abusing drugs and consuming alcohol. It’s disheartening because in other regions of the country, you won’t find such problems, but in Central region, alcoholism and drug abuse are widespread” he said.
“This issue has affected secondary school students. Some consume alcohol while others smoke marijuana. It’s deeply concerning. We’re risking losing an entire generation if we don’t take action” he stated.
Speaking at Thigio trading center in Ndeiya, Bishop Njenga criticized the large number of bars licensed in the area.
“Our region has an excessive number of bars. In some trading centers, there are more bars than shops and hotels, and they’re always crowded. These places have become targets for marijuana dealers who openly seek customers” he said.
A resident named Margaret Njambi disclosed that many women are suffering silently as their husbands have neglected their marital duties due to their condition.
“Numerous women in this area are frustrated and stressed by their husbands’ behavior. Some cannot provide basic necessities like food or clothing. They’re unable to satisfy their wives and are physically weak” she said.
“This situation has led young girls to avoid marriage, fearing similar frustrations in the future” Njambi revealed.
Bishop Njenga has urged the Kiambu county government to reduce the number of bars in trading centers by refusing to issue them trading licenses.
The cleric mentioned that Boloti, Makutano, Tiekunu, and parts of Thigio are affected, along with neighboring areas like Ruthigiti and Kamangu in Kikuyu constituency.
He noted that national government officials are making efforts to combat the issue but are hindered by the licenses granted to some bars and other establishments.
The cleric made these remarks as local women were preparing to protest.
“I understand that women from Ndeiya are planning a demonstration in the near future. They intend to notify the police and deputy county commissioners, as they plan to march to the Kiambu county commissioner’s office in Kiambu town” he revealed.