OSPD Programmes

Our Boy Child program began in Nairobi, with a particular focus on areas with high drug abuse rates, such as Dagoretti, Kangemi, and Kibera. The program includes mobilization, screening, and a determination of whether participants require inpatient, camp, or community rehabilitation. In Nairobi, 50 boys have undergone inpatient rehabilitation, 82 have attended camp rehabilitation, and others have engaged in community rehabilitation activities such as cleanup, football, and tree planting.

In Nyeri, where drug addiction is prevalent, we screened and provided rehabilitation to 65 boys, following the same process as in Nairobi. After rehabilitation, we faced the challenge of finding suitable housing for these boys, which led to the creation of a healthy village in Ngorano. This village provides shelter, medical attention, and training for the boys. A similar project is being developed in Laikipia, Rumuruti County.

In Mombasa, a region known for high drug abuse, we have screened boys, and 348 expressed interest in rehabilitation. We are working with Nacada to explore the use of the Miritini facility for rehabilitation. In Bomet County, we are currently implementing the program and planning to establish a healthy village in Koiwa, which will serve Bomet and its surroundings. In Kakamega County, rehabilitation and the establishment of a healthy village are on the horizon, serving the Western Region.

Boy Child Preventive:

The Boy Child Preventive Program, in collaboration with Nacada, is on a mission to sensitize high school and university students in Nairobi and beyond about the perils of drug and substance abuse. Having already reached out to high schools such as Dagoretti High, Kiambu Alliance High School, Narok High School, Tudor High School in Mombasa, Kagumo High School, Maasai Mara University, Nairobi University, and MKU, we had a successful session with them.

Rationale and Statistics for Program Selection:

NAIROBI:

• Nairobi, as Kenya's capital city and one of its most populous regions, serves as a crucial focal point for Boychild Programs.
• High prevalence of drug abuse: Nairobi has one of the highest rates of drug abuse in Kenya, particularly among young people. According to the 2022 National Household Survey on Substance Abuse (NHSISA) conducted by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), 19% of young people aged 15-24 in Nairobi use drugs, compared to the national average of 6%.
• According to a 2022 survey by NACADA, Dagoretti, Kibera, and Kangemi are among the top ten neighborhoods in Nairobi with the highest rates of drug abuse. The survey found that:
  •    25% of young people aged 15-24 in Dagoretti use drugs.
  •    23% of young people aged 15-24 in Kibera use drugs.
  •    22% of young people aged 15-24 in Kangemi use drugs.

NYERI:

• According to the 2022 National Household Survey on Substance Abuse (NHSISA) conducted by NACADA, Nyeri County has one of the highest rates of drug abuse in Kenya. The survey found that 16% of young people aged 15-24 in Nyeri County use drugs, compared to the national average of 6%.
• The most commonly abused drugs in Nyeri County are alcohol, tobacco, bhang (cannabis), and heroin.
• Drug abuse is a major contributor to crime, violence, and HIV/AIDS in Nyeri County.
• In a 2022 article, the Daily Nation reported that Nyeri County is facing a "heroin epidemic." The article cited data from NACADA showing that the number of heroin users in Nyeri County has increased by 50% in the past five years.
• In a 2021 article, the Standard reported that Nyeri County has the highest rate of drug-related crime in Kenya. The article cited data from the National Police Service showing that drug-related crimes such as robbery and assault have increased by 30% in Nyeri County in the past year.
• Alcohol abuse is a major problem in Nyeri County, disproportionately affecting young men.

MOMBASA:

• According to the 2022 National Household Survey on Substance Abuse (NHSISA) conducted by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), Mombasa County has the highest rate of drug abuse in Kenya. The survey found that 25% of young people aged 15-24 in Mombasa County use drugs, compared to the national average of 6%.
• The most commonly abused drugs in Mombasa County are heroin, cocaine, and bhang (cannabis).
• Drug abuse is a major contributor to crime, violence, and HIV/AIDS in Mombasa County.
• In a 2022 report, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reported that Mombasa County is a major transit hub for drugs trafficking in East Africa.
  In a 2021 report, the Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported that drug abuse is a major human rights problem in Mombasa County.

BOMET:

• High prevalence of drug abuse among the boy child in Bomet County: According to a 2021 survey by NACADA, Bomet County has one of the highest rates of drug abuse in Kenya. The survey found that 18% of young people aged 15-24 in Bomet County use drugs, compared to the national average of 6%.
• Limited access to drug rehabilitation and support services in Bomet County: There are only two drug rehabilitation centers in Bomet County, and these centers are often overwhelmed with demand. This means that many young men who need help with drug addiction are unable to get it.
• High levels of poverty and unemployment in Bomet County: Poverty and unemployment are major risk factors for drug abuse. Bomet County is one of the poorest counties in Kenya, with a poverty rate of 47.8%.
• Strong community support for the Boychild program in Bomet County.

KAKAMEGA:

• High prevalence of drug abuse among the boy child in Kakamega County: According to a 2022 report by NACADA, Kakamega County has one of the highest rates of drug abuse in Kenya. The report found that 20% of young people aged 15-24 in Kakamega County use drugs, compared to the national average of 6%.
• Limited access to drug rehabilitation and support services in Kakamega County: There are only a handful of drug rehabilitation centers in Kakamega County, and these centers are often overwhelmed with demand. This means that many young men who need help with drug addiction are unable to get it.
• High levels of poverty and unemployment in Kakamega County: Poverty and unemployment are major risk factors for drug abuse. Kakamega County is one of the poorest counties in Kenya, with a poverty rate of 49.3%.
• High prevalence of drug abuse among secondary school students in Makueni County, notably in Nzaui District, Makueni County.

MAKUENI:

• High prevalence of drug abuse among the boy child in Makueni County.
• Limited access to drug rehabilitation and support services in Makueni County: There is currently only one drug rehabilitation center in Makueni County, which is inadequate to meet the needs of the growing number of young men struggling with drug addiction.
• High levels of poverty and unemployment in Makueni County: Poverty and unemployment are major risk factors for drug abuse. Makueni County is one of the poorest counties in Kenya, with a poverty rate of 62.8%.
• Strong community support for the Boychild program in Makueni County.

These statistics highlight the pressing need to address drug abuse in Kenya, particularly among young people. The Boychild program is an important step in addressing this problem, and it is hoped that it will be effective in reducing drug use and improving the lives of young men in the affected areas.

Justification for Widows Program in Nairobi, Kajiado, Nakuru, Kisumu, and Western Region:

Nairobi:
•    Nairobi, being the capital city, has the highest population density in Kenya. This presents a significant need for a widows program, as there is a substantial number of vulnerable widows in the city who require support. Economic challenges and the loss of their spouses make these women especially susceptible to hardship.

Kajiado:
•    Kajiado County, specifically Loitoktok, is an area with a considerable population of Maasai widows. This program is essential because polygamy is prevalent in this region, leading to an increased number of widows who often face challenges in understanding their rights and how to support themselves and their families.

Nakuru:
•    Nakuru County also faces challenges related to polygamy and a lack of resources, particularly among widows. The program is aimed at assisting these women in finding economic stability and emotional support during a challenging period in their lives.

Kisumu:
•    Expanding the program to Kisumu is a strategic decision because it allows us to address the needs of widows in a different region of Kenya. Widows in Kisumu and the surrounding areas may face unique challenges, and it is our aim to provide them with the same level of support and empowerment.

Western Region:
•    Extending the widows program to the Western region is crucial, as it is known for having a significant number of widows. It's important to reach out to these women who may be experiencing economic hardship and isolation. This program can provide them with the necessary support and opportunities to rebuild their lives.

Future Projects and Sustainability:

We are actively collaborating with county governments and government institutions like Nacada to ensure the sustainability of these projects. Future initiatives include:

1.    Expansion of rehabilitation and healthy village facilities in various counties.
2.    Ongoing community mobilization, screening, and rehabilitation efforts for the boy child.
3.    Planting 500,000 trees in Loitoktok as part of an environmental conservation initiative.

To ensure the sustainability of these projects, we will continue to foster partnerships with strategic stakeholders and government bodies, enabling ongoing support for the most vulnerable populations in Kenya. Our vision is to empower individuals both economically and spiritually, providing them with the tools and resources necessary to build a dignified future.