Kiambu County Commissioner George Matundura on Friday flagged off the Alcohol and Drugs Prevention Awareness Walk 2026 at Kirigiti Roundabout, calling for concerted efforts to address rising alcohol and drug abuse in the county.

The walk, organised by Blue Cross Kenya, began at 8:30 a.m., and ended at the main Kiambu Bus Stage. It brought together public health experts, recovery advocates, county officials and community stakeholders to raise awareness of the effects of alcohol and substance abuse.

The organisers said an estimated 22 per cent of Kiambu residents are affected by alcohol and substance abuse, with young people among those considered particularly vulnerable.

Brian Magwaro, Manager of Blue Cross Kenya, said the event was intended to move beyond awareness creation and encourage practical action against alcohol and drug abuse.

“Kiambu cannot continue to normalise the high levels of alcohol consumption we are seeing. When one in five residents is affected, we are dealing with a public health emergency that demands coordinated responses from families, leaders and service providers,” Magwaro said.

He urged families to discourage the use of alcohol as a way of coping with stress, idleness and other challenges.

Nkatha Mwenda, a recovery coach and Convenor for Kiambu County at Graceful Youth Recovery Centre CBO, said young people were particularly vulnerable to early exposure to alcohol and other substances.

“We meet teenagers and young adults whose lives have already been derailed by early initiation into alcohol and other substances. Many of them are not statistics; they are sons, daughters and friends whose potential is being wasted,” she said.

Mwenda said recovery was possible when affected individuals received structured support from families and communities.

Caroline Arimi, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) Kiambu County Coordinator, identified illicit and unregulated alcohol as a major concern in efforts to address substance abuse.

“The proliferation of illicit and unregulated alcohol remains a serious concern. NACADA works closely with the county government, but lasting change requires citizens to report outlets that sell to underage buyers,” Arimi said.

She called for greater prevention efforts in homes, schools and workplaces, saying communities should discourage excessive drinking and protect young people from early exposure to alcohol.

Dr Susan Gitau, Chief Executive Officer of Elewa Ulevi Consultancy, Chairperson of the Association of Rehabilitation Owners in Kenya (APRAK) and an addiction clinician, said alcohol use disorder should be addressed as a health condition requiring appropriate treatment and support.

“Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition, not a moral failure. Yet many families still hide the problem until it becomes catastrophic,” Gitau said.

She called for early intervention, increased access to treatment and sustained aftercare services for people recovering from alcohol and substance dependence.

Gitau said the reported 22 per cent prevalence required increased attention from leaders and other stakeholders because alcohol abuse affects individuals, families and communities.

The walk passed through public spaces, including roads, roundabouts and the bus stage, highlighting that alcohol and substance abuse affects communities and is not confined to rehabilitation centres.

Organisers noted that substance abuse can also be linked to mental health challenges, including emotional distress and depressive symptoms, which may complicate recovery.

A press briefing held at the end of the walk provided an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss local concerns and available support services. Participants were also encouraged to share information on counselling, rehabilitation and community-based recovery programmes available in Kiambu.

Commissioner Matundura called on administrative officers, security agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders to treat alcohol and substance abuse as an important development and public health concern.

He said the county administration would continue supporting multi-agency initiatives that combine prevention, enforcement, treatment and rehabilitation.

The organisers said a single awareness walk could not reverse the trend and called for sustained public education and community engagement.

They also urged stakeholders to strengthen controls on illicit and unregulated alcohol, expand youth-friendly recovery programmes and encourage families to discuss alcohol and substance abuse openly.

Blue Cross Kenya and its partners further called on media houses, churches, schools and employers to support prevention initiatives and ensure that people affected by alcohol and substance abuse know where to seek help.

The participants dispersed at the Matatu/Bus Stage Stop after the walk, with organisers reiterating the need for communities to work together to reduce the effects of alcohol and substance abuse.

by Kipkorir Felix and Grace Naishoo