Residents of Kiambu gathered at Ndumberi Stadium to mark Kenya’s 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations, with leaders using the occasion to call for youth empowerment, responsible citizenship, and urgent action against alcohol abuse and rising social challenges affecting communities.
Speaking during the celebrations, youth leader Chrispus Gitai urged young people to draw inspiration from the sacrifices made by Kenya’s freedom fighters and to actively contribute to the country’s development.
Gitai said Madaraka Day serves as a reminder that the freedoms enjoyed by Kenyans today were earned through struggle and sacrifice, and should motivate the younger generation to work hard, uphold patriotism, and participate meaningfully in nation-building.
He noted that the government has created opportunities for young people and challenged them to take advantage of them with discipline, integrity, and commitment. He encouraged the youth to remain hopeful, innovative, and focused on excellence, describing them as the generation that will shape Kenya’s future.
“The government has opened doors for the youth, and it is now our responsibility to seize these opportunities with discipline, integrity, and dedication. Kenya’s future is bright, and we are the generation that will shape it,” said Gitai.
Concerns over alcohol and substance abuse dominated much of the discussions during the event, with community leaders warning that the vice is threatening the social and economic wellbeing of many families.
Community elder Kenneth Kibae expressed concern over the growing number of young people spending their time drinking instead of engaging in productive activities. He lamented that excessive alcohol consumption had become widespread, with some individuals becoming intoxicated as early as morning hours.
Kibae called on government authorities to intensify investigations and enforcement efforts against illegal alcohol outlets, including those operating secretly within communities.
“We are losing many young people to alcohol. Some are so drunk early in the morning that they can hardly walk on the roads, exposing themselves to danger,” he said.
Religious leader John Mwangi echoed the concerns, warning that alcohol consumption had become a lifestyle for many residents, contributing to unemployment, idleness, and increased crime.
Mwangi cited recent incidents of mob justice involving suspected phone snatchers as an indication of growing insecurity linked to social problems in the community. He questioned the continued sale of alcohol during early morning hours, saying the situation had become normalized.
“If we allow this trend to continue, crime will continue increasing. Alcohol is being sold from early morning, and it has become as common as tea,” he remarked.
Addressing the concerns, Kiambu Sub-County Deputy County Commissioner Titus Macharia assured residents that the government has put in place strategies to regulate alcohol consumption while enforcing existing laws.
Macharia clarified that alcohol has not been banned, but emphasized that there are clear regulations governing where and when it can be sold and consumed. He urged residents to drink responsibly and consider the effects of excessive alcohol consumption on their health, family welfare, and economic stability.
He noted that alcohol addiction contributes significantly to social challenges, including sexual and gender-based violence, which remains a concern in parts of Kiambu County.
“As a government, we will continue to encourage responsible alcohol consumption while working to reduce addiction because of the many negative consequences associated with it,” said Macharia.
The administrator further warned residents against engaging in criminal activities, noting that government institutions, including police stations, courts, and correctional facilities, are fully equipped to deal with offenders.
Macharia also urged residents who had not collected their national identity cards to visit registration offices and pick them up, revealing that numerous IDs remained unclaimed.
In addition, he raised alarm over reported cases of child abductions and urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant by monitoring their children’s movements, especially when travelling to and from school.
He encouraged residents to promptly report suspicious activities and security threats to local authorities and police officers.
“Let us all remain alert and work together with security agencies. When you notice anything suspicious, report it immediately to the relevant authorities,” he said.
The celebrations brought together government officials, religious leaders, community elders, youth representatives, and residents in a display of patriotism and reflection on Kenya’s progress since attaining internal self-rule.
While the event commemorated the nation’s journey towards independence and self-governance, speakers emphasized that addressing contemporary challenges such as unemployment, alcohol abuse, crime, and gender-based violence remains essential in achieving sustainable development and securing a brighter future for generations to come.
