{
  "id": 8900421,
  "title": "Kiambu families take frontline role in fight against alcohol, drugs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/kiambu-families-take-frontline-role-in-fight-against-alcohol-drugs",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-21T10:32:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "People Daily Kenya",
    "slug": "people-daily-kenya",
    "url": "https://peopledaily.digital/news/kiambu-families-take-frontline-role-in-fight-against-alcohol-drugs"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Families in Kiambu have been urged to play a leading role in combating alcohol and drug abuse, as children are now exposed to substances at younger ages. This call came during an Alcohol and Drugs Prevention Awareness Walk in Kiambu on September 21, 2026, organized by Blue Cross Kenya in collaboration with the Community Working Group on Alcohol and Drug Abuse. Susan, representing Elewa Ulevi, stated that alcohol remained the most abused substance in Kiambu, followed by tobacco and marijuana, while emerging psychoactive substances added complexity to the fight against drug abuse.\n\nSusan highlighted that tobacco use now extends to vaping, smokeless tobacco, and synthetic marijuana. She also expressed concern over the use of less noticeable substances like petrol, paint thinners, nail polish remover, and sanitiser, which some young individuals inhale for a high. Dealers are increasingly targeting young people, even children as young as nine, as either users or peddlers. This underscores the necessity for families to recognize warning signs early and stabilize their households to effectively fight alcohol and substance use.\n\nMagwaro from Blue Cross Kenya explained that the awareness campaign aimed to deliver prevention messages directly to communities while assisting those affected by alcohol and drug use to access appropriate support. He emphasized that prevention relies on providing individuals with early information to enable them to make informed decisions. Magwaro added that community groups supported people struggling with substance-use disorders through self-help groups and referrals to rehabilitation centers. He called for more affordable rehabilitation services, including county-run facilities and potential support from the Social Health Authority (SHA) for those who cannot afford treatment.\n\nCatherine Wenda, a recovery coach and founder of Graceful Youth Recovery Center, stressed that prevention efforts are crucial among individuals aged 15 to 35, who are particularly vulnerable to peer pressure and early substance use. Wenda pointed out that rehabilitation programs should continue even after a person stops using drugs, ensuring they have the skills and opportunities to rebuild their lives. Her 17-week programme focuses on equipping participants with coping strategies and self-sustainability opportunities.\n\nKiambu County Commissioner George Matundura affirmed that enforcement would continue alongside prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation as authorities intensified efforts against illicit alcohol and drugs. Since a police operation launched on August 24, 2026, they have seized substantial amounts of illicit brew, chang’aa, bhang, and other substances. Matundura reported that 106 individuals were taken to court during the operation and urged residents to collaborate with enforcement efforts and help those affected by substance abuse access rehabilitation services.\n\nStakeholders emphasized that sustained progress requires cooperation among families, communities, government agencies, faith-based organizations, and recovery practitioners. Prevention efforts must begin at the family level, as they are the foundation for combating alcohol and substance use effectively.",
  "summary": "Families in Kiambu have been urged to take a frontline role in preventing alcohol and drug abuse, with stakeholders warning that children are being exposed to substances at increasingly younger ages. The call was made during an Alcohol and Drugs Prevention Awareness Walk in Kiambu on Monday, September 21, 2026, organised by Blue Cross Kenya […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}