An investigation on the prevalence of drug and substance abuse in Mathare slums, Nairobi County, Kenya.

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the prevalence of drug and substance abuse in Mathare slums, Nairobi County, Kenya. Drug and substance abuse involves the misuse of drugs or chemicals, leading to addiction. It affects the general populace by increasing healthcare costs, reducing productivity, contributing to crime, and causing social and familial disruptions. The theoretical framework applied in this study was Bowen’s Family System Theory. The theory provides an invaluable perspective for analyzing the intricate relationships among families dealing with drug and substance dependence. The descriptive research design guided the study in collecting, analyzing and interpreting both the quantitative and qualitative data. Households were chosen from 13 villages in Mathare slums in Nairobi involving a total target of 42997 households. The researcher adopted both non-probability and probability sampling techniques where Yamane (1967) formula was used to calculate a sample size of 396. The study identifies high rates of substance abuse, particularly alcohol and cannabis, and examines their detrimental effects on family communication, financial stability, and domestic harmony. The findings highlight the socio- economic challenges faced by affected families and underscore the need for targeted interventions. Recommendations include enhancing awareness and education programs, establishing accessible rehabilitation and counseling services, engaging and empowering the community through youth initiatives and job creation, and strengthening law enforcement and policy regulations. Collaborative efforts between government, NGOs, and the private sector, alongside continuous research and impact assessments, are essential for effectively reducing substance abuse and improving the socio-economic well-being of families in Mathare. The study also calls for stringent government policies to control drug use in slum areas.