More than 100 former students of Nyahururu Old Boys High School have called for stronger support networks among men and greater attention to the challenges facing boys and young men in society.
The 101-member group met in Ol Kalou during its annual membership retreat, bringing together former students from Nyandarua, Nyeri, Nakuru, Kirinyaga, Laikipia and other parts of the country.
The group’s coordinator, Engineer Kenneth Kibaara, urged men to avoid excessive alcohol consumption and make responsible choices, saying alcoholism affects individuals, families and the wider community. He also called for stronger regulation of alcohol outlets.
The forum provides an opportunity for members to uplift one another, share experiences, and offer professional and personal guidance to those facing challenges.
Engineer Mwangi Kiande said the boy child should receive greater attention, arguing that years of emphasis on the girl child should be complemented by deliberate efforts to address challenges affecting boys and young men. He encouraged boys to work hard, embrace education and science, and take advantage of available opportunities.
Engineer Tom Gichugi said men should meet regularly to share experiences, advise and support one another, noting that members bring diverse professional and life experiences that can help others overcome personal and career challenges.
Speaking elsewhere, Reverend Daniel Mwangi of AIPCA criticised county governments for issuing alcohol and bar licences without adequate consideration of their impact on communities.
He said some small trading centres have an excessive number of bars, with one area having more than 15 drinking establishments, warning that easy access to alcohol was contributing to the loss of young people to alcoholism.
Reverend Mwangi urged county governments to regulate the number of bars and ensure drinking establishments do not outnumber essential businesses such as shops and hotels.
