The proposed allocation of Sh250 million to the Office of the Deputy President for the financial year 2024–25 to combat drugs and substance abuse has particularly piqued my interest. This is especially intriguing, given his claim of having achieved 70 per cent success in this fight.
I am curious regarding the criteria used to evaluate the effectiveness of his efforts. Alcoholism and substance abuse issues extend beyond economic implications, deeply affecting individuals, families and communities. However, in Kenya this fight has been framed in economic and political terms, neglecting the profound impact on the quality of life.
Whenever the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse releases statistics on the consumption of alcohol and substances across different regions, along with demographic data on abusers, those numbers resonate more profoundly – at a personal level – when you’ve seen someone struggle with this menace firsthand.
They tell the stories of families where mothers outlive their children due to alcohol-induced accidents and illnesses. They also represent children who have lost their fathers to drinking dens, and the eventual heartbreak of funerals.
This nudges one to wonder if the claimed 70 per cent success rate includes the recovery of ruined childhoods marked by neglect, abuse and instability. Will the proposed allocation cover the emotional and psychological toll on these children?
If approved, will it be enough to break the cycles of dysfunction that, if unaddressed, will span across generations? Has the impact of witnessing family members and loved ones deteriorate physically and mentally from addictions been considered?
Alcohol is a depressant known to create a vicious cycle of misery and hopelessness. The more a person partakes, the more miserable they become when sober, reinforcing negative thought patterns. This also prompts me to ask: have the government’s efforts considered how this cycle of dependence is worsened by the rejections and failures associated with addiction?
Does the claimed success rate include addicts’ recovery from a sense of worthlessness and despair? Has the government taken into account that abruptly stopping drinking, for a habitual drunkard, can be life-threatening due to severe withdrawal symptoms, necessitating medical intervention?
Effective strategies to combat alcoholism must extend beyond economic measures and the formation of mostly misinformed policies. Addressing alcoholism requires an approach that tackles the root causes of its abuse while providing holistic care for its victims. They should include access to mental health services, rehabilitation programmes and community support networks that offer assistance before, during and after recovery.
Access to mental health services in Kenya is prohibitively expensive despite it being essential for addressing underlying issues like depression, anxiety and trauma, which lead to alcohol and substance abuse.
The provision of rehabilitation programmes is a very critical aspect that is being overlooked in combating this problem. These programmes are supposed to provide structured environments where the addicts can receive medical care, counselling and support as they undergo detoxification and work towards recovery.
County governments could also join this fight by covering part of the treatment costs, as those most affected often cannot afford these services. If both national and county governments recognise the importance of access to mental health services, it would become easier to address the factors that drive people to alcohol and substance abuse. This recognition would also significantly help in managing the aftermath of alcoholism and substance use.
Throughout our country’s history, alcoholism has been a baleful challenge that has persisted despite changes in leadership and laws. Effectively addressing this problem requires a thorough understanding of its root causes. Why does it persist? Why, exactly, do individuals opt for alcohol and substances despite knowing the legal and health risks?
Gachagua has highlighted ongoing efforts to eliminate illicit brews, noting significant progress. However, true success will remain elusive if he fails to acknowledge the underlying challenges. While the numbers may serve as political bargaining chips or financial gains for some, to the people of Kenya, the figures represent the tragic stories of lost lives.
Governance and sociopolitical affairs writer
