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STELLA SAMOEI: The Fight Against Underage Drinking

Stella Samoei understands the implications of underage drinking and as one of the pioneers of the Smashed Campaign, she shares her experience with DIANA RACHEL MBUGUA.

Published

3 years ago

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Stella Samoei, a mother of four, is a teacher at Utumishi Boys Academy in Gilgil. She teaches Geography and Kiswahili subjects and doubles up as a Guidance and Counselling teacher. Being a teacher, she has a passion for children, and the Smashed Campaign, a campaign developed to fight underage drinking matches her passion just right. She understands the implications of underage drinking and as one of the pioneers of the Smashed Campaign, she shares her experience with DIANA RACHEL MBUGUA.

Stella Samoei remembers vividly how a girl came crying to her for help after she conducted a session of the Smashed Campaign at the Utumishi Girls’ Secondary School. The girl, she says, was traumatised after hearing the effects of alcohol and knowing her uncle, whom she loved dearly, indulged in excessive alcohol. The 14-year-old had been worried for a long time about her uncle’s drinking, but now that she understood the dangers of excessive intake of alcohol was scared about her uncle’s health.

“We were at the Utumishi Girls Academy conducting the Smashed Campaign programme and I remember after talking about the effects of alcohol on the body, the girl approached me to find out how her uncle could be helped to stop drinking. The girl had definitely seen in her uncle most of the symptoms we talked about, and she appreciated that we were reaching out to young people so they do not become like her uncle,” Stella explains the impact the campaign has had on young people.

Smashed Global Group in collaboration with Hue Experiential Limited has been carrying out an alcohol education programme dubbed “Smashed” in high schools all over Kenya to create and increase awareness around the dangers of underage drinking among young adults between the ages of 13 years to 18 years. The programme also looks at how underage drinking affects the overall performance of learners. The project is aimed at educating and enlightening adolescents on how to overcome peer pressure, which has been identified as the main force driving underage drinking.

“I was chosen to be among the pioneers in the Smashed Campaign. We work with the school administration in the schools we visit to first seek permission to have sessions with students between the ages of 13 and 18. My role when conducting the programme is to set up the items required, welcome the students, and then explain to them about the Smashed Campaign and thereafter answer their questions,” she says.

Through a partnership with the Teacher’s Service Commission, Hue Experiential Limited has identified beacon teachers to work with to deploy the programme in schools and Stella is one of them. The company has conducted training sessions with the teachers who, in turn, cascade the programme into schools and also to other key stakeholders within their local communities.

The teachers picked to run the Smashed campaign in different schools have also been trained by the Teachers Service Commission on ways of curbing drug abuse in schools and also identifying gender-based violence and ensuring steps are taken to minimize it both in schools, at home, and in communities.

Out of the 120 teachers trained by the Teacher’s Service Commission last year to run this campaign, Stella was one of the teachers picked from private schools that had experienced underage drinking incidences in the past.

While one of the key reasons for underage drinking comes from peer pressure, Stella says parents have a big role to play in influencing their children’s decisions.

“Eighty percent of the time, a child will not do what they are told by adults but will imitate what the adult does. If alcohol is available at home, to some extent, children are exposed and see nothing wrong in drinking. They may experiment when they get out of home or even at home, and if they drink in front of their peers, they will influence them,” she notes.

Children who indulge in drinking after seeing their parents drink at home may put pressure on other kids to join them, but they stand a better chance of resisting the habit if they have information on the dangers of alcohol, particularly for the underage.

“Teenage drinking does not start from nowhere. Children learn to drink from either their parents, elder siblings, uncles, or peers,” Stella notes.

From Stella’s point of view, absent parents during school breaks are also another factor that contributes to exposure to alcohol. More so when children are left under the care of guardians, house helps, or even alone. She reckons that if a parent is not there for their child from an early. age, problems begin to crop up.

“I know a group of students who went drinking some time back. They had ganged up and boarded a matatu. I don’t know where they got the alcohol from but they were drinking publicly in the open while wearing their school uniform. They were caught, arrested and guided, and counseled, and some changed their behaviour. But now that they are over 18 and there is not much we can control after this age,” she says.

Since she began the campaign about four months ago, Stella says some of the incidents that have come to her attention are of form-three students going to drink during school breaks

“Students mostly take alcohol during the school holidays but not in school. This especially happens when they organise birthday parties or go for hikes with no adult supervision, decries Stella.

Society has a big role to play in the fight against underage drinking. According to Stella, there are irresponsible adults who sell alcohol to underage kids without asking for any form of identification. Some students also use those who are of age to buy alcohol for them. For example, if a bottle costs Ksh300 they bribe the person with another Ksh200.

The Smashed Campaign has been running for six months and has reached more than 2000 students in different schools in Nakuru County and over 300,000 by the end of November this year in different regions of the country. The main targets are schools in Central, Nyanza, and Nairobi, where underage drinking has been identified as a major problem.

The campaign aims to reach as many students as possible across the country in a bid to inform and educate them on the effects of underage drinking, especially in damaging vital organs such as the liver and brain.

One of the ways the curriculum has been designed to make it interesting is by the use of short video series to explain the impact underage drinking can have on the youth The programme also offers positive 1.Young people’s bodies and choices of pastimes that young people can engage in instead of drinking Stella says the children have been quite receptive and hopes they will grow with the messages they get ingrained in them as they move on to become adults.

“They often come to express their feelings after the programme and I have noted they get scared, especially the girls, when they see what alcohol does to the body. They say they do not want to take anything that will influence their judgment and also interfere with their academic performance and other daily activities,” notes Stella, adding that the programme is quite effective.

Part of the programme’s curriculum explains where a child can get help in case they face or witness incidences of alcohol intake among the underage. These places include police stations and school administration. There is also a child helpline provided.

One of the reasons Stella is passionate about the programme is because she knows the impact alcohol has on children. She expresses her excitement about problems. being privileged to be one of the people pioneering the project

“I really want to spread this gospel as much as I can and let the children be cognizant of the dangers of alcoholism. It could be any child around you affected by alcohol directly or indirectly. I want the message to reach all the young people.” she emphasises.

Other than underage drinking, Stella says the campaign also addresses issues such as sexual identity, which is common in one- gender schools, as well as the use of other substances which are also as harmful.

Stella appreciates the organisations and people behind the Smashed Campaign. and the teaching materials they have produced to help the teachers effectively convey the message to young people in schools. She says the children really enjoy the short video series which are part of the teaching aids of the programme.

She concludes by saying that she is fully committed to the campaign and wants to see positive results in the reduction of underage drinking in our country but also urges parents and guardians to be the best role models for their children.

 

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Feature

The Festival of Breaking the Fast: Understanding Eid al-Fitr

Published

4 weeks ago

on

March 19, 2026

By

As the crescent moon appears in the night sky, marking the end of the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, millions of people around the world transition from a period of deep reflection to one of vibrant celebration. Eid ul-Fitr, often called the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is one of the most significant dates in the calendar, representing a harmonious blend of spiritual accomplishment and communal joy.

Why is Eid al-Fitr celebrated?

Eid al-Fitr marks the conclusion of Ramadan, a month-long period where observers fast from dawn until sunset. The celebration is, at its core, a way to show gratitude. After thirty days of practising self-discipline, patience, and increased charity, the festival serves as a reward for the spiritual “marathon” completed during the holy month.

It is also a time to celebrate the revelation of the Quran, which is believed to have begun during the final ten days of Ramadan. By completing the fast, individuals celebrate the strength and willpower they gained, reinforcing their commitment to their values for the year ahead.

The importance of the day

Eid ul-Fitr is far more than just a day off from work or a festive meal; it serves several critical functions:

  • It acts as a bridge between the intense devotion of the previous month and a return to daily life, carrying forward the lessons of empathy and mindfulness.

  • The day begins with a special congregational prayer. This gathering brings together people from all walks of life, emphasising equality and unity within the community.

  • A key pillar of the holiday is Zakat al-Fitr, a mandatory charity given before Eid prayers. This ensures that everyone, regardless of their financial status, can enjoy a festive meal and join the celebration.

What does Eid al-Fitr mean?

While the literal translation is “the feast of breaking the fast,” the deeper meaning of Eid revolves around renewal.

  1. Many view the day as an opportunity to start fresh. It is a traditional time for reconciling differences, forgiving past grievances, and strengthening bonds with family and neighbours.

  2. After experiencing the hunger and thirst of a fast, the “Fitr” (breaking of the fast) takes on a profound meaning. It is a moment to appreciate the necessities of life (food, water, and health) that are often taken for granted.

  3. Beyond the religious context, it is a day defined by hospitality. Homes are opened, special sweets are shared, and children often receive gifts or Eid (money), creating a sense of wonder and belonging that lasts a lifetime. 

Common traditions around the world

While customs vary by region, a few hallmarks remain constant:

  • Wearing new or best-quality clothes to honour the occasion.

  • In many cultures, the holiday is nicknamed the “Sweet Eid” due to the variety of desserts, like sheer khurma or baklava, served to guests.

  • The universal phrase used to wish others well is “Eid Mubarak,” which translates to “Have a blessed Eid.”

In essence, Eid al-Fitr is a beautiful reminder that discipline leads to joy, and that the greatest celebrations are those shared with others.

For more, click HERE to join our WhatsApp channel!

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Feature

The Festival of Breaking the Fast: Understanding Eid al-Fitr

Published

4 weeks ago

on

March 19, 2026

By

As the crescent moon appears in the night sky, marking the end of the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, millions of people around the world transition from a period of deep reflection to one of vibrant celebration. Eid ul-Fitr, often called the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is one of the most significant dates in the calendar, representing a harmonious blend of spiritual accomplishment and communal joy.

Why is Eid al-Fitr celebrated?

Eid al-Fitr marks the conclusion of Ramadan, a month-long period where observers fast from dawn until sunset. The celebration is, at its core, a way to show gratitude. After thirty days of practising self-discipline, patience, and increased charity, the festival serves as a reward for the spiritual “marathon” completed during the holy month.

It is also a time to celebrate the revelation of the Quran, which is believed to have begun during the final ten days of Ramadan. By completing the fast, individuals celebrate the strength and willpower they gained, reinforcing their commitment to their values for the year ahead.

The importance of the day

Eid ul-Fitr is far more than just a day off from work or a festive meal; it serves several critical functions:

  • It acts as a bridge between the intense devotion of the previous month and a return to daily life, carrying forward the lessons of empathy and mindfulness.

  • The day begins with a special congregational prayer. This gathering brings together people from all walks of life, emphasising equality and unity within the community.

  • A key pillar of the holiday is Zakat al-Fitr, a mandatory charity given before Eid prayers. This ensures that everyone, regardless of their financial status, can enjoy a festive meal and join the celebration.

What does Eid al-Fitr mean?

While the literal translation is “the feast of breaking the fast,” the deeper meaning of Eid revolves around renewal.

  1. Many view the day as an opportunity to start fresh. It is a traditional time for reconciling differences, forgiving past grievances, and strengthening bonds with family and neighbours.

  2. After experiencing the hunger and thirst of a fast, the “Fitr” (breaking of the fast) takes on a profound meaning. It is a moment to appreciate the necessities of life (food, water, and health) that are often taken for granted.

  3. Beyond the religious context, it is a day defined by hospitality. Homes are opened, special sweets are shared, and children often receive gifts or Eid (money), creating a sense of wonder and belonging that lasts a lifetime. 

Common traditions around the world

While customs vary by region, a few hallmarks remain constant:

  • Wearing new or best-quality clothes to honour the occasion.

  • In many cultures, the holiday is nicknamed the “Sweet Eid” due to the variety of desserts, like sheer khurma or baklava, served to guests.

  • The universal phrase used to wish others well is “Eid Mubarak,” which translates to “Have a blessed Eid.”

In essence, Eid al-Fitr is a beautiful reminder that discipline leads to joy, and that the greatest celebrations are those shared with others.

For more, click HERE to join our WhatsApp channel!

Continue Reading

Feature

Living with Parents vs Moving Out Featuring Hoch Muhoro

Published

2 months ago

on

February 2, 2026

By

Modern times have pushed the narrative of moving out at 20 or 21, and it has largely been embraced. While the parents’ home is seen as a free place you pay for with your mental health, it is a strategic base for many and a point of debate for others.

Let’s explore both sides of this dilemma, using the case of Kenyan creator Hoch Muhoro to anchor the conversation.

Is moving out a strategic sanctuary or stunted growth?

For decades, the metric of success for a young African adult was defined by finishing school, getting a job, and getting your own roof. To stay a day longer was to invite whispers of a failure narrative. However, as the cost of living in cities like Nairobi skyrockets and the digital economy changes how we work, the rules of independence are being rewritten.

Hoch Muhoro redefining narratives

The conversation recently reached a fever pitch following the story of Hoch Muhoro, a  Kenyan digital creator who lives with his mother. To traditionalists, his situation is an anomaly, perhaps even a failure. But to a growing number of digital nomads and strategic savers, Hoch represents a bold counter-narrative.

Hoch argues that his choice isn’t about an inability to provide but about companionship, care, and the rejection of societal timelines that don’t serve the individual. His relationship with his mother, documented with transparency, highlights a shift from dependence to intentional cohabitation.

The argument for moving out

Proponents of moving out early argue that the cold world is the only place where true character is built. There is a unique psychological drive that comes from knowing your next meal depends entirely on your hustle. This survival mode often sparks the creativity and resilience needed to excel in competitive industries.

Living alone offers the freedom to fail, to host, and to explore one’s identity without the background noise of parental expectations or curfews. In many circles, including the dating market, living at home carries a stigma of immaturity that can be hard to shake, regardless of your bank balance.

The argument for staying home

On the flip side, the Hoch Muhoro approach offers benefits that the struggle-to-pay-rent lifestyle cannot match. By eliminating rent, individuals can funnel that capital into investments, equipment for digital creation, or emergency funds.

The isolation of life alone can be brutal. Multigenerational living provides a support system that wards off the loneliness often associated with early adulthood. Living at home also allows adult children to support ageing parents, creating a symbiotic relationship rather than a parasitic one.

Context is necessary

Is it better to move out? The answer is not a yes or no, but a when and why. If staying at home makes you lazy, complacent, and fearful, it is a cage. But if, like Hoch Muhoro, it provides the peace of mind to create and the opportunity to cherish family bonds, then it is a strategic advantage.

Independence isn’t just about having your name on a lease; it’s about the ability to make decisions that best serve your future self. Maybe the most adult thing you can do is ignore the neighbours and stay where you are supported.

For more, click HERE to join our WhatsApp channel!

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