Reformed alcohol addicts promised housing plan jobs

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, has said people who undergo rehabilitation from alcohol, drugs and substances abuse will benefit from jobs under the Affordable Housing programme.

Dorcas at the same time called on partners and volunteers to support efforts to rescue the boy child and men in the country from addiction, even as she reminded them that they are key drivers of the country’s economic growth.

She mentioned the Mathira Group of 65 men who are undergoing rehabilitation in Meru, saying they had been  given beadwork skills and are now making an income from the craft.

“Last week, I visited the cohort in Meru and I was very happy because they now look like fine gentlemen. They are healthier, look brighter and are composed. They are doing beadwork and selling their creations. They have also been trained in hairdressing, chicken rearing, pig keeping, crop and vegetable farming, and their dreams have been reignited,” said Pastor Dorcas.

She made the remarks during the launch of Wellness Camp at the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) Showground in Nairobi.

 The programme is under the office of the spouse of the Deputy President.

Clinical setup

The DP’s wife encouraged those who are starting the rehabilitation process at the Wellness Camp to stay focused in their journey.

 Dorcas highlighted the initiatives that have already taken off under her office, including rehabilitation in South B, 65 in Timau, 400 in Donholm, Nairobi, 575 in Dagoretti.

She said the participants need rehabilitation in a clinical setup, wellness camp, outpatient, or community-based rehabilitation as well as community-based rehabilitation in Kiandutu, Thika and Juja town.

Unemployment

Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga, who attended the event, assured hundreds of youths of job opportunities in the Affordable Housing plan projects.

“Like the President said, we must have a plan to create jobs for our youth. And under our housing plan, this is where we have jobs. We can have masons, plumbers, electricians, carpenters and many others. The Ministry of Housing is delighted to be your partner,” Hinga told the Deputy President’s spouse.

Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi said unemployment had driven many youths to the streets.

“I know your greatest problem is lack of a job. But I want to assure you, that everyone attending this occasion is mindful of your welfare and betterment of your life. I believe you can be involved in cleaning the environment and planting trees among other projects to create an income,” said Elachi.

 Also present was Nairobi Deputy Governor James Muchiri, Woman Representative Esther Passaris, Langata MP Felix Odiwuor and the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse CEO John Muteti.