Youth losing themselves in alcohol

Recent findings by State agencies indicate that alcohol abuse is rapidly becoming a national problem, not only among adults but also among the youth -- thousands of students both in primary and secondary school are hooked to alcohol.

It is against this background that the National Alcohol Beverages Association of Kenya recently launched a campaign that seeks to ensure that all outlets make it their business to establish that their clients are above the age of 18.

They are expected to demand identity cards as proof of age whenever they are in doubt.

But, as we report elsewhere in this newspaper, more challenges continue to spring up on the route towards reduction of alcohol consumption and responsible drinking.

For instance, the Nairobi Provincial Administration reveals that there are about 18,000 bars in the city. Of these, 40 per cent are either not licensed or have false licences.

Most of the mushrooming illegal outlets are located in middle and low income estates but also right in the centre of the city.

Two things here: In those areas, there are government officers ranging from assistant chiefs, chiefs to districts officers. In addition, regular police are known to religiously patrol the estates.

That such establishments continue to thrive under the very nose of law enforcement agents gives credence to claims that they are part of corruption networks that fuel illegal activities.

And when none other than Nairobi deputy provincial commissioner says that illegal pubs in some floors of buildings in the city are difficult to identify, his sentiments are astonishing and symptomatic of a lackadaisical attitude approach to a serious social problem.

As more attention is turned to underage drinking and even as bar operators with a sense of responsibility join hands to curb the menace, illegal operators are less likely to play by the rules.

A person who breaks the first law will think nothing of breaking the second one. They are more likely to be driven by making a quick buck. In some areas, particularly Nairobi’s Eastlands, some illegal pubs are known to be hangouts for students and underage estate youth.

It is also likely that as some pubs throw their doors shut to people under the age of 18, the youths will find solace in the illegal joints and the upward spiral in underage drinking will continue.

Experts are in agreement that there is a huge cost to be paid by the society when the youth lose themselves in alcohol.

Among school going youth who consume alcohol, absence from school and the resultant failing grades have been recorded.

Fighting and violence in schools have also been linked to alcohol consumption in addition to risky sexual behaviour. In these days of HIV and Aids, this exposes the young people to more danger.

However, when all is said and done, alcohol consumption by the youth is a manifestation of a breakdown of social order in a society where drinking is the preoccupation of a huge section of the adult population, both in urban and rural areas.

In urban areas, particularly over weekends, it is now considered trendy to cart the entire family -- from the toddler to the teenager -- to one of those makuti entertainment spots where parents will spend the entire afternoon tucking in copious amounts of alcohol.

The children will either amuse themselves at the swings or will sit with the parents and sip soft drinks.

The problem here is that while parents are supposed to guide children on how to responsibly relate to alcohol later in life, exposing them to situations where alcohol is consumed liberally, compromises their role as moral custodians.

It then follows that these children will grow up under the notion that there is nothing wrong in taking alcohol. It is less likely that they will steer clear of alcohol or drink in moderation in adulthood.

Indeed, studies have shown that children whose parents abuse alcohol are susceptible to abusing alcohol in adulthood.

At another level, due to the pressures of modern living, many parents have little time for their children and are hardly in a position to know what is happening in their children’s lives.

Again, as the society embraces modernity, strong traditions that were strictly observed in relation to alcohol have been lost. Alcohol was taken only on special occasions such as weddings, funerals and during rite of passage.

And, even then, it was never served to children and young adults. It was the preserve of members of the community who were well advanced in age.

This was so because the traditional society recognised the fact that the youth represented continuity.

They understood that the future of the community was in the hands of the youth and, therefore, any activity that could put their development as responsible members of the society in jeopardy was simply outlawed.

As the nation grapples with the emerging trend of underage drinking, it might be a good idea to open dialogue with the youth and candidly examine alcohol and what it portends for their future.

Daily Nation