NJORO SUB-COUNTY — At the age of 22, Rosemary Nyandua never anticipated that her casual encounter with alcohol would spiral into an eight-year struggle with addiction. Today, at 30, Nyandua openly shares her journey from the depths of alcoholism to her current state of sobriety and confidence, offering hope to others facing similar battles.
According to Kenya News Agency, her descent into alcoholism was marked by a loss of control, as she found herself engaging in destructive behaviors to sustain her addiction. The consequence was not only the loss of personal assets to shylocks but also the alienation from her family and friends. Her relationship with her children suffered, and she often found herself exploited due to her vulnerability.
Nyandua’s turning point came with her decision to seek help, leading her to the Beyond Love Rehabilitation Centre in Njoro Sub-County. There, she underwent a 12-step recovery program alongside seven men, making her the only woman in the group. The rehabilitation process not only focused on overcoming addiction but also equipped her with vocational skills such as interior design and electrical installation, preparing her for reintegration into society.
Now, with over 100 days of sobriety, Nyandua is a testament to the transformative power of recovery. She is determined to rebuild her life, focusing on providing love and attention to her children and repairing relationships with her family. Her experience underscores the challenges faced by women in dealing with alcoholism, particularly within African cultures where female drinking is heavily stigmatized.
Dr. Agnes Mwihaki, a psychiatrist at the rehabilitation center, emphasizes the importance of a compassionate and non-judgmental approach in supporting individuals battling alcoholism. She advises families to encourage open discussions about the underlying reasons for alcohol abuse, such as stress or anxiety, rather than resorting to ultimatums or shame.
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) reports a concerning rise in drug and substance abuse among Kenyans aged 15-65, with alcohol identified as the most abused substance. The increase in alcohol consumption is attributed to the availability of cheaper alternatives and the challenges posed by online sales and mobile transfer services.
Nyandua’s story sheds light on the broader issue of alcoholism in Kenya, highlighting the need for increased access to treatment and rehabilitation services. Samuel Wanjiru, a peer counsellor, calls on government and non-governmental organizations to prioritize programs that address alcoholism and substance abuse, emphasizing the potential for recovery and the importance of societal support in overcoming addiction.
As Nyandua looks forward to opening a salon and boutique business, her journey from addiction to sobriety serves as a beacon of hope for many, demonstrating that recovery is possible and that a new chapter in life can begin with the right support and determination.
MOMBASA, Kenya — Leaders representing coast seafarers have voiced their frustration over the delayed progress of blue economy projects in Mombasa County, arguing that these delays are preventing local youths from gaining employment opportunities.
According to Kenya News Agency, the lack of momentum threatens to undermine the government’s ambitions to boost investments in the blue economy sector.
The group has specifically called for the acceleration of the construction of the multi-billion shilling Liwatoni Fish Processing Plant and the Sh6 billion Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) compliant ultra-modern tuna fish hub, both of which were expected to be completed by December of the previous year. “Blue economy is the backbone of the Coastal economy; the project is taking off at a snail’s pace since inception. Our hands are tied. We expected the Liwatoni Tuna Project to employ more than 3000 youths but it has stalled,” stated Daniel Kitsao, a seafarer and politician. Concerns have been raised about potential further delays due to rumored contractor changes and possible ensuing legal disputes.
Additionally, allegations have surfaced regarding the misallocation of funds from the World Bank-funded Kenya Marine Fisheries and Socio-Economic Development Project (KEMFSED), intended to support the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries. Kitsao claimed that these funds are being redirected towards the construction of the proposed Fisheries Headquarters in Nairobi and the purchase of vehicles, to the detriment of the local fishing community.
The seafarers are also advocating for the government to resume its direct recruitment efforts, similar to the 2022 initiative that saw over 5000 Kenyans joining shipping lines. They emphasized the importance of implementing the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 185 on Seafarers’ Identity Documents (SID), ratified by Kenya and passed by parliament in 2022, yet still not issued to seafarers. Albert Adembesa, another leader among the seafarers, highlighted the urgency of this issue, noting that the absence of the SID puts more than 400 Kenyan seafarers at risk of losing their jobs on international ships.
Furthermore, the seafarers have requested the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs to invest in vessels for deep-sea fishing, provide refresher courses, and establish a hospital for their staff. “Kenya’s territorial water is endowed with fish, there are many foreign fishing vessels that do fishing and sell the product in other countries. We should purchase at least five ships that will employ more than 400 youths,” Adembesa advocated, stressing the potential for local employment and economic growth through the blue economy.