Kisumu's youth find inspiration and fun at Kaa Sober Concert

Kisumu youths and children enjoy being entertained during the Kaa Sober Concert at Mnayatta Primary School. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

The bustling slums of Kisumu often carry the weight of daily struggles, from domestic violence to substance abuse, peer pressure, and limited opportunities for youth.

Yet, last Saturday, Manyatta Primary School became a beacon of hope and change as hundreds of children and young people gathered for the transformative Kaa Sober Concert, organized by Blue Cross – Kenya Society.

The event, which combined entertainment, education, and inspiration, was a timely intervention for Kisumu’s youth, especially with the December festive season fast approaching.

A time often associated with heightened indulgence, the festive season poses a significant risk for substance abuse among vulnerable groups.

Timeless Noel (center) entrtain Kisumu youths and children during the Kaa Sober Concert. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Blue Cross, in collaboration with Nacada and Kisumu County, aimed to redirect this narrative by equipping children and youth with strategies to stay sober and make positive life choices.

The concert was a vibrant affair, with high-energy performances and interactive sessions that captured the hearts and minds of attendees. Headlining the event was the electrifying Timeless Noel, whose powerful performance not only entertained but also delivered a resounding message of hope and sobriety.

“Luos are defined by raha—enjoyment—but it doesn’t have to include alcohol,” said Noel, himself a proud advocate for a sober lifestyle since 2012.

“An idle mind is the devil’s workshop, and substance abuse thrives when we lack purpose. Today, we’re redefining fun and ensuring everyone leaves with a brighter outlook for their future.”

Timeless Noel (right) entrtain Kisumu youths and children during the Kaa Sober Concert. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

The event also featured activities such as art classes, robotics demonstrations, and games, which offered safe spaces for children to explore their creativity and talents while steering clear of harmful influences.

For many youth in Kisumu’s slums, the challenges are manifold. Base camps where drug abuse thrives, parents smoking in homes, domestic violence, and lack of education are just some of the hurdles they face.

These issues, compounded by peer pressure and the allure of substances during festive seasons, make interventions like the Kaa Sober Concert crucial.

Simon Mwangi from Nacada (center) during the Kaa Sober concert. [Washington Onyango, Standard]

Simon Mwangi from Nacada emphasized the importance of reaching children early.

“Drug abuse often begins at a tender age. By addressing this key segment of society, we’re not only preventing future substance abuse but also empowering them with the tools to make healthy choices,” he said.

Voices of Change

Yvonne Akoth, popularly known as MC Akothee, echoed the sentiment, passionately urging the youth to embrace sobriety.

“Your life is your future. Be sober together and build a brighter tomorrow. The Kaa Sober initiative wants more children to join this movement and choose a path free of drugs,” she said.

Lilian Gitau from Kisumu County underscored the need for prevention-focused programs. “Today is about prevention. Blue Cross champions prevention, and by working together, we can create a drug-free environment for our children,” she stated.

Timeless Noel (center) entrtain Kisumu youths and children during the Kaa Sober Concert. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

For MC Duncan Olaba, a young leader who joined Blue Cross as a child in Class Four and is now pursuing his university education, the organization has been life-changing.

“Blue Cross has given me a platform to grow and lead. Events like this bring young people together, offering them safe spaces to thrive,” he said.

Blue Cross – Kenya Society, headquartered in Kisumu, has a mission aligned with the UN’s 2030 Agenda, the African Union’s 2063 Agenda, and Kenya’s Vision 2030. Through prevention programs, the organization addresses alcohol and substance abuse among marginalized populations.

Saturday’s event exemplified the power of collaboration, with stakeholders like Nacada and Kisumu County lending their support.

Timeless Noel (right) entrtain Kisumu youths and children during the Kaa Sober Concert. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Timeless Noel expressed gratitude for the collective effort. “Thanks to Blue Cross, Nacada, and Kisumu County, this event has been an incredible success. Parents often feel lost about how to guide their children. Events like this show them a way forward,” he said.

As the day concluded, the Kaa Sober Concert left an indelible mark on attendees.

From the youngest children immersed in art and games to teenagers dancing to the sober beats of Timeless Noel, the event was a celebration of hope, resilience, and the promise of a drug-free future.

For the youth of Kisumu, the message was clear: sobriety is not just a choice; it is a pathway to a brighter tomorrow.