How not to fight alcoholism

Alcohol abuse poses a significant threat to the sustainable development of Kenya. The prevalence of alcoholism can be observed in towns across the country, with individuals of all ages experiencing the negative consequences of excessive drinking. This report aims to address the issue of alcohol abuse in Kenya and highlight its implications for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Alcoholism has led to the deterioration of individuals, particularly men, who struggle to maintain employment and fulfill their responsibilities to their families and communities. This has far-reaching consequences for the social and economic development of the country. It is crucial for the government to take decisive action to combat this issue and prevent Kenya from becoming a nation plagued by alcoholism.

Unfortunately, the government’s response to alcoholism has been characterized by knee-jerk reactions and regional perspectives. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s focus on alcoholism in the Mt Kenya region, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki’s national security perspective, and Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru’s closure of bars within her jurisdiction are examples of fragmented approaches that fail to address the issue holistically.

While Deputy President Gachagua’s concern for alcoholism in the Mt Kenya region is commendable, it is essential to recognize that alcoholism is a national problem, not limited to a specific region. As Deputy President of Kenya, Gachagua should prioritize addressing alcoholism on a national scale rather than focusing solely on his region.

Professor Kindiki’s recent announcement of measures against the production, distribution, and consumption of illicit alcohol received support from Deputy President Gachagua’s campaign. However, it is important to note that Kindiki’s approach echoes existing laws and lacks innovative solutions. Previous attempts to combat alcoholism through strict regulations have proven ineffective and only benefit corrupt police officers involved in extortion rackets.

The government’s focus on law enforcement and disruption of the supply chain fails to address the root causes of alcoholism. Prohibition and strict controls have historically driven the trade underground, resulting in the absence of regulations and quality standards. It is crucial to adopt a more holistic approach that considers the underlying factors contributing to alcoholism.

Effectively managing alcoholism requires a comprehensive understanding of the factors driving individuals to excessive drinking. It is not solely a matter of availability of cheap liquor, but rather a reflection of hopelessness, despair, and helplessness within the population. Addressing these root causes is essential for sustainable solutions.

The issue of alcoholism in Kenya is closely linked to failures in leadership. Years of dishonesty, corruption, and greed have eroded the population’s trust in their leaders and diminished their hopes for a prosperous future. As a result, individuals turn to alcohol and drugs as a means of escaping their miseries. The government must address these leadership failures to effectively combat alcoholism.

To address the issue of alcoholism, the government must prioritize tackling the root causes rather than solely focusing on the symptoms. This requires an end to hypocrisy, where leaders decry alcoholism while tolerating it within their own ranks. Similarly, the discriminatory approach that targets lower-class individuals consuming cheap liquor while ignoring the excessive drinking of the rich and powerful must be addressed.

The government should learn from past experiences, such as the crackdown on illicit alcohol manufacturers during President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure. Those who now oppose such measures were previously against them, highlighting the need for consistency and commitment to addressing alcoholism. The government must not repeat past mistakes and instead focus on sustainable solutions.