Reclaiming Fatherhood in the Face of Addiction
-
by
Nyumba Yetu
“When fathers fall, families fracture. But when fathers rise, homes begin to heal.”
Across Kenya, a powerful transformation is underway. Kenyans are reclaiming fatherhood and addiction recovery as two sides of the same coin. Addiction has broken too many homes. Now, men are rising to rebuild what was lost.
Why Fatherhood and Addiction Recovery Must Go Together
According to the 2022 NACADA report, nearly 1 in 3 Kenyan men aged 15–65 uses drugs or alcohol. These aren’t just numbers. They represent fathers, breadwinners, and protectors whose presence has faded.
NACADA emphasizes that “male-focused interventions are vital” because men make up the bulk of substance users. In fact, 42.4% of alcohol users suffer from addiction. This affects not just their health but their ability to lead their families.
Western Kenya: Where Fathers and Families Suffer Most
Western Kenya carries the heaviest burden. The region leads in the use of chang’aa and other illicit brews, with over 85% of residents saying these drinks are widely consumed. Moreover, many communities in this region witness firsthand how addiction turns fathers into strangers.
Children watch this pattern and often follow it. Without timely intervention, the cycle continues.
What Happens When Fathers Disappear
When fathers struggle with addiction, the family dynamic crumbles. Some children in Kenya start using substances as early as age 6. Meanwhile, many boys grow up without positive male role models. Others grow up afraid of the only father they know—an addicted one.
As a result, the trauma becomes generational. Healing fathers, therefore, must be central to any addiction recovery effort.
How Nyumba Yetu Is Rebuilding Fathers and Families
At Nyumba Yetu, we don’t just treat addiction. We restore dignity. We reconnect fathers to their families and help them rediscover purpose. Here’s how:
- We run family therapy and fatherhood-focused workshops.
- We offer outpatient rehab services tailored for men.
- Through Nyumba Yetu Radio, we share real stories of healing and hope.
- We guide spiritual recovery and emotional resilience.
- We equip men with skills that build confidence and stability.
This work not only rebuilds men. It rebuilds homes.
💡 Want to Help? Start Here:
- 👉 Addiction Recovery in Kenya: Case NY/TC/001
- 👉 Effects of Parental Addiction on Children in Kenya
- 👉 Contact Nyumba Yetu for Support