The Kenya Counselling and Psychology Association has raised concern over the growing abuse of alcohol and other harmful substances among young people, especially college and university students, warning that the trend is threatening their education and future careers.
The association’s National Secretary, Edwin Kibe, said the situation is particularly worrying among university students, with some dropping out after becoming dependent on alcohol and drugs.
Speaking in Thika ahead of his 16th anniversary of sobriety from drugs on August 23, Kibe, who is also an addiction counsellor and Uhai Kenya Executive Director, said the situation calls for urgent intervention.
He said some university classes that enrolled about 300 students in the first year could graduate only 40 to 60 students, with many dropping out due to addiction and other reasons.
Drawing from his experience, Kibe said his addiction began in high school with alcohol before progressing to other substances, and he almost lost his future.
“At first I was doing it for fun, but over time I became dependent on these substances, and I found myself in a deep hole that I was not able to come out,” he said.
He described rehabilitation as the turning point in his life and said his recovery had inspired him to help others affected by addiction.
Through Uhai Kenya, he said he had conducted prevention and mentorship programmes in 200 to 300 primary schools, more than 100 secondary schools, five universities, churches, and workplaces.
Kibe called for increased investment in prevention and rehabilitation, saying the cost of treatment was beyond the reach of many families.
He said a three-month rehabilitation programme can cost about Sh300,000 and urged the Government to establish subsidised or free rehabilitation centres at county and sub-county levels.
He also called for tougher action against drug traffickers and illegal alcohol dealers, as well as stronger community policing to address emerging distribution methods, including online sales.
Kibe further urged the Government and private sector to expand employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people, saying meaningful economic opportunities could restore hope and reduce vulnerability to substance abuse.
By Jacklyn Mutuku and Muoki Charles
