An investigation into the relationship between single mothers and their children and abuse of alcohol in Lang’ata, Nairobi.

Abstract

In Kenya, there have been reports of rising cases of substance and alcohol abuse amongst adults and young people especially teenagers. According to the National Campaign Against Drug Abuse Authority (NACADA), approximately 16.6% of urban dwellers are current users of various types of alcohol compared to about 11.4% of rural population. NACADA also cites Nairobi as having the highest current usage of packaged/legal alcohol at 15.7% as well as highest usage of chang'aa at 7.2% compared to other towns in Kenya. During a recent conference on alcohol and drug abuse held at Moi International Sports Centre, research presentations showed high rates of alcohol and drug abuse were witnessed in several secondary schools (NACADA).

This study is an examination of the relationship between single mothers and their children and alcohol consumption by either the parent or the child(ren) or both. The researcher investigated how single mothers in Nairobi's Lang’ata area relate with their children and how alcohol affects that relationship. The researcher concentrated on Lang’ata Division which includes the Kibera Slums, Lang’ata Estate and the Karen suburbs. The study adapted a descriptive qualitative research method. Questionnaires as well as interviews were used to collect data. The researcher interviewed parents from different backgrounds and neighborhoods for the study. It is hoped that the study will make a contribution towards improving relationships between single parents and their children as well as deal with issues related to alcohol abuse within the family setup