GLOBAL CIVILITY AMBASSADORS
KIBE EDWIN GITAU Interview by Jasmina Siderovski
Could you tell us about your background? I am a certified addiction psychologist/ professional. A consultant on alcohol, drugs and substance abuse prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration of persons with substance use disorders in the community. A consultant trainer on workplace policy formulations, capacity building and advocacy on matters pertaining to alcohol and drug abuse. I hold an undergraduate degree in Bachelors of Commerce – Accounts from the University of Madras—India; M.A in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi, I am founding director UHAI Centre in Thika, Kenya and a lecturer at Mt. Kenya University’s Department of Management. I am a humanitarian and Country Director Global Goodwill Ambassadors (GGA Kenya), International Society of Substance use Professionals (ISSUP), Addiction Prevention Rehabilitation Association of Kenya (APRAK), World Federation against Drug (WFAD), and Kenya Certification for Addiction Counselors. Am a peace ambassador under Institute eYs Magazine, Spring 2020 | 32
for Peace and Development (INSPAD), My Body is My Body Programme and East Africa Regional Advisor for Naifa Maruf Foundation. In community service, I am a Board of Management Member for Moyo Children’s Centre, Familia Moja Children’s Home, two reputable high school within Kiambu County, consultant St. Martins Rehab Centre Maragua among many other community assignments in the church and community. I’ve authored two resource books “Surviving an Addiction’’ and ‘‘Parenting for Positive Futures”. I’m a mentor and a family man, married to one wife, a father of two boys and one girl. I’m the first-born in a family of four. Despite having been raised in a humble family, I’ve a sour past relationship with alcohol. During adolescence, a lot of physical development, biological and emotional transformational changes occur that causes turbulence in youth’s life. It was during this time of my life that I experimented with alcohol, unaware of the probable consequences. First came the fun with an intriguing feeling of elation, not knowing that drugs change the brain gradually leading to dependency.
I’m a recovering alcoholic, having abused alcohol for over 10 years, which changed me tremendously. Upon recovery in 2011, it dawned on me that many areas of my life had been neglected. I was also deeply disillusioned and stigmatized. This was a turning point in my life. I subsequently underwent rigorous professional training conducted by National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA Kenya) in collaboration with NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals. In 2014, I graduated as a certified addiction professional. It’s based on this knowledge and skills that I’ve since volunteered in community projects and therapies. What are your greatest achievements? Being a sober and loving son, husband and father and a respected opinion leader in the community is quite an achievement. My story has motivated, touched and transformed many lives; parents, loved ones, and persons with substance use disorders. It gives them hope and reassurance that all is not lost. In 2002, I enrolled for and was invited to pursue a Master of Business
