Kiambu County Deputy Governor, Rosemary Kirika, has launched a foundation aimed at empowering and supporting families against alcoholism and drug abuse.
The foundation, dubbed the ‘Rosemary Kirika Foundation’, seeks to build an alcohol- and drug-free society by creating social and economic structures for those affected by alcoholism.
Speaking during the launch at the MPESA Academy in Thika, Kirika said her foundation will focus on psychological training and advocacy, economic empowerment of reformed addicts, and talent development, adding that they will adopt a family approach to combat the menace.
She added that the foundation will use a preventive approach of economic and social empowerment with the family unit to prevent alcoholism and drug abuse.
“We are very concerned about the rise in crime, especially among the youth, which has led to dysfunctional families, especially in the Mt. Kenya region,” Kirika said.
The event was graced by the Deputy President’s wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, who lauded the deputy governor’s efforts in joining the fight against alcoholism.
“I really commend the Kiambu Deputy Governor and her family for this initiative of love and philanthropy for families, which aligns with my vision of dignifying the vulnerable, which includes those affected by alcohol and drug abuse,” she said.
Pastor Dorcas, who has been at the forefront in fighting against illicit brews and drugs in the country, said hundreds of youths are being supported through rehabilitation programmes and financial capital to start their businesses.
“Most of the reformed addicts are being supported to start their own businesses, while others are being employed in state projects, especially the Affordable Housing projects across the country,” she said.
During a visit earlier this year in Kiambu, Pastor Dorcas noted that alcoholism and drug abuse are big challenges in the country, especially in the Mt. Kenya region, where they have ravaged families.
The Rosemary Kirika Foundation will be partnering with corporations, academic institutions, expert trainers, churches, the government, and other stakeholders to ensure the success of the fight.
By Sylvia Wanjohi
