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| Wasted Youth |
Those lucky enough to live in affluent parts of Nairobi must
be aware of the rising number of criminals born and raised in those areas. In
fact, a good percentage of the Gun-wielding criminals who subject hard working
Kenyans to mindless carjacking are youths from wealthy backgrounds. The most notorious criminal-breeding affluent
estates are to be found bordering slums.
A case in point – Kijiji, Langata
There is this notorious “Kijiji”, a slum or informal
settlement located right in the heart of Langata, and sandwiched between
Southlands, Akiba, Onyonka, Park, among other estates. The Kijiji’s economy is
sustained by these estates – Workshops, Car repairs, Bars, Cafes, Groceries,
Jaba points, Busaa and Miti dens, cheap casual labor, touts, peddlers,
pickpockets, etc. There are so many bars on Kitengela road (doesn’t lead to
Kitengela), which separates most of these estates and the Kijiji. The area along
the road stretching from Park Estate to Southlands has the highest concentration
of Bars and drunkards in Langata, if not Nairobi.
These bars are the meeting points for all youth (males and females), both from the affluent estates and the poor Kijiji. They both abuse alcohol and cigarettes like no one’s business – rarely drinking beer and always preferring to buy one bottle of spirit such as Jebel, Meakins, or Konyagi and sharing it among many friends who can number up to 10. They both smoke weed like nobody’s business, occasionally leaving the bars in groups to go a take a puff in the meandering paths of the Kijiji, away from any patrolling police. They all drink illicit brews in the morning when they are broke and hangovered or during Mututho hours when some of the cheap-liquor bars are closed. A good number of those from affluent estates abuse prescription drugs, and many other illegal substances commonly referred to as “Matembe” and “Maunga”. Many have made endless trips to Mathare and other rehabilitation centers in the city. It’s always sad to see one relapsing after months of rehabilitation and some period of normal life.
These bars are the meeting points for all youth (males and females), both from the affluent estates and the poor Kijiji. They both abuse alcohol and cigarettes like no one’s business – rarely drinking beer and always preferring to buy one bottle of spirit such as Jebel, Meakins, or Konyagi and sharing it among many friends who can number up to 10. They both smoke weed like nobody’s business, occasionally leaving the bars in groups to go a take a puff in the meandering paths of the Kijiji, away from any patrolling police. They all drink illicit brews in the morning when they are broke and hangovered or during Mututho hours when some of the cheap-liquor bars are closed. A good number of those from affluent estates abuse prescription drugs, and many other illegal substances commonly referred to as “Matembe” and “Maunga”. Many have made endless trips to Mathare and other rehabilitation centers in the city. It’s always sad to see one relapsing after months of rehabilitation and some period of normal life.
The addicted ones have visible mental problems (very unkempt,
red-eyed, many scars, sometimes talking to themselves). Some of the substance-addicted
are from affluent families and are very well educated by the way. Yes, some have
practiced for one or two years as lawyers, even medics. Others have even studied
abroad. The most you see loitering here every now and then had become real
problems to their parents, inevitably severing relations and being forced to
relocate to the Kijiji.
Some are involved in petty criminal activities to keep
alcohol and drugs flowing. For example, if you get too drunk here, you will be
lucky to leave with your phone and wallet. All other crimes that are typical to
this kind of settlement are present – occasional rapes, muggings, gang-fights.
Some in their 30 or
even 40s have been left to themselves after their parents sold or rented houses
and relocated to their rural areas.
Surprisingly, many of the drug and alcohol addicted fellows
here are very kind to one another, always helping a friend (whether from slum
or estate) – the reason why a glass passes from one mouth to another until its
empty. Some are cry-babies and will shed tears at the slightest provocation.
When you go to these bars you will be shocked by the high
number of visibly useless, drug-addicted non-job fit youth. The kind of people
who just drop down like a sack and sleep where they are. You will think that most
of these people have been born and raised in the Kijiji, until someone whispers
to you “this guy was born and raised in Southlands, has studied abroad and is a
qualified lawyer, the problem is he just can’t stay away from drugs and alcohol,
and is now frustrated and hopeless.”
Sadly, some have got to the point of being killed in
shootouts with the police, in most cases while trying to carjack motorists in
Downtown Nairobi.
What has changed?
For a very longtime the society, both here and elsewhere,
has almost always associated poverty with crime. The perception has been that
you are many times likely to be robbed if you walked through a slum compared to
affluent parts of the city – this is still true though. While studies have repeatedly shown that children raised in poverty are generally at risk of developing social, emotional,
stress, and behavioral problems, newer findings show that those from wealthy
backgrounds are exposed to certain risks as well. Youth at the other end of
the socioeconomic spectrum are being faced with a number of challenges that are
driving them to crime and other social problems.
A study conducted in the UK revealed that children growing
in wealthy backgrounds are twice likely to develop mental issues compared to
less affluent ones. Scientists have found that major levels of neuroses that
lead to criminal behavior, drug abuse, and eating disorders are common in children
from well-off families. This is
apparently due to pushy parents who put so much pressure on their kids in a bid
to ensure they succeed in life. Children
who find this to be unbearable are likely to experience mental problems and
turn to drugs and violence. There are many other contributing factors.
Harsh reality
This is the harsh reality that Nairobi parents who have
worked hard to give their children the best are waking up to. Most people will
agree that there is so much alcohol, drugs, skimpy-dressing, and sex in popular
events which are commonly attended by youth from wealthy backgrounds. Remember
Masaku Sevens? Some of these kids end up being addicts, their parents give up
on them, forcing them to turn to crime. It’s also very hard for a person who
has lived a wealthy lifestyle as a child to later lead a humble kijiji life. Most
will tend to use any means possible to keep in touch with their childhood lifestyles.
Eradication of poverty will reduce crime and drug abuse?
Policy makers have concentrated on identifying means of
eradicating poverty in order to improve living standards and, by extension,
reduce crime rates and substance abuse. If the findings above are anything to go by, then more
measures will be required to stop youths from frustrations, drug abuse, and even crime.
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