Personal Recovery Stories: Finding Hope Through Real-Life Journeys

Addiction recovery is a deeply personal journey—no two stories are exactly alike. But within each story lies something powerful: hope. At Nyumba Yetu, we believe in the strength of testimony. When individuals who’ve walked through darkness share their recovery stories, they become beacons for others struggling to find the light.

From Nairobi’s bustling estates to the peaceful hills of Nyeri, recovery is happening quietly, powerfully, and in very Kenyan ways. Here are some real voices and the lessons they offer.

1. John’s Story – “Mlevi hadi Mwalimu” (From Alcoholic to Mentor)

John, now 38, grew up in Nyeri where chang’aa and other brews are common in his neighborhood. By 20, he was already drinking daily. “I lost jobs, relationships, everything,” he says. “Lakini siku moja niliamka nikasema basi—this life has to change.”

After joining a faith-based recovery program supported by his local church and Nyumba Yetu’s outreach team, John began counseling, attending AA meetings, and embracing meditation and physical wellness.

Today, he mentors young men in Githurai, teaching them not just to say “hapana” to drugs, but to find purpose.

“Recovery si tu kuacha pombe. Ni kujijua, kujipenda, na kuamka kila siku ukiwa na hope.”
(“Recovery is not just quitting alcohol. It’s about knowing yourself, loving yourself, and waking up with hope.”)

2. Achieng’s Journey – From Trauma to Healing

Achieng’ from Mombasa started using heroin in her teens after surviving sexual violence. “Kwa mtaa, drugs seemed like the only way to silence the pain,” she explains.

Through a trauma-informed care program introduced at a local safe house and later supported by Nyumba Yetu, she began therapy, joined a women’s support circle, and reconnected with her spirituality through yoga and prayer.

Now, she’s studying social work and dreams of opening a women’s rehab center in Kilifi.

“I thought I was broken. But kumbe, I was just wounded. And wounds can heal.”

3. Kevin’s Breakthrough – Sheng & Street Wisdom

Kevin, aka “Kev-Mad” from Eastlands, used to sell and use bhangi and pills. “Life ilikuwa ngori,” he says. “Nilidunda sana. But real talk—recovery ilinipea mapema.”

What saved him was a creative outreach initiative by Nyumba Yetu, blending spoken word, hip hop, and peer mentoring. Kevin now performs clean content at youth events across Thika and Nakuru, encouraging vijana to think beyond the high.

“Addiction ni mtego, but mabadiliko huanza na step moja. Kama nilitoa mguu, na wewe unaweza.”

Why These Recovery Stories Matter

In Kenya, many people still suffer in silence due to the stigma around addiction. Some fear rejection by family, others believe addiction is a curse or moral failure. But when survivors speak, they disrupt stereotypes and create space for real conversations.

Research shows that sharing personal experiences not only boosts the confidence of those in recovery but inspires others to seek help. According to UNODC, peer-led programs and testimonials are key tools in substance abuse prevention and recovery.

At Nyumba Yetu, we actively encourage people to tell their stories, be heard, and be celebrated.

Join the Movement

Are you or someone you know on the recovery journey? You’re not alone. Whether you’re in Kakamega, Meru, or Kibra, there are people ready to walk with you. Reach out to Nyumba Yetu for support, community, and programs designed with your context in mind.