MURANG'A - Sergeant Moses Kimenchu, a dedicated police officer and professional addiction counselor, has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree by Breakthrough International Bible University. This recognition comes for his significant contributions in rehabilitating alcoholics and drug users.
According to Kenya New Agency, the Doctor of Humane Letters (honoris causa) is an honorary degree conferred upon individuals who have made outstanding humanitarian and philanthropic contributions to society. Dr. Kimenchu began his journey in rehabilitating and counseling as part of the initiative "kaa sober chapa kazi" in 2010.
Dr. Kimenchu, who joined the police service in 2002, has encountered numerous individuals affected by drug addiction. His early experiences in the force motivated him to enroll in a course on drug and substance abuse, equipping him with the tools to address this issue. He launched an intensive campaign to raise awareness about drugs and substance abuse among young people, focusing on primary and secondary schools.
The sergeant noted the positive impact of his interactions with young people and the importance of building confidence in them to discuss their experiences. He observed that boys are more susceptible to drug addiction than girls. His personal struggle with addiction and his brother's challenges with drug abuse made his fight against alcoholism and drug abuse deeply personal.
In 2015, Dr. Kimenchu founded the Sergeant Savior Mentorship and Counseling Centre (SMECC) on the outskirts of Murang'a town. The center was established after the success of the "kaa sober" campaign, which rehabilitated 15 individuals. SMECC provides recovering addicts with food, shelter, treatment, and mentorship.
Dr. Kimenchu highlighted the importance of after-care in the rehabilitation process, ensuring that clients have a supportive system and income-generating skills to remain sober and reintegrate into society. He expressed concern about the impact of drug use on young people's lives and the challenges parents face in balancing work and parental responsibilities.
He advocates for a drug-free society, emphasizing the importance of educating young people about the dangers of drug abuse. Dr. Kimenchu called for reduced stigma towards those battling addictions and urged the inclusion of rehabilitation services in the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
He encourages Kenyans struggling with addictions to seek professional help and counseling in rehabilitation centers. Dr. Kimenchu's efforts have led to the rehabilitation of many individuals in Kenya. He was selected for the honorary degree from a shortlist of 26 candidates.