Sunday in Korogocho

On Sunday we went to one of the largest slums in Nairobi, Korogocho.
What a moving experience.

We met young adults and college students who are organizing the community around improving their neighborhood and the quality of life in the slum. Over eighty percent of Korogocho residents are home brewers, and the majority of brewers are women.
Home-brewers produce illegal alcohol, also known as chang’aa (clear liquor made from grain), that harm and even kill those that consume it. In addition to the alcohol addiction, an estimated 80% of these residents are HIV/AIDS victims.

Often, these home-brew businesses are passed down to the brewers children once the parent(s) is too sick or has passed away. Under the new Kenyan Alcohol Law "mini-brewers would potentially set up their business at the local level and gain market share depending on how well they are able to control their costs." Most home-brewers think that this will be a positive spin on their business, however community leaders think it will do the exact opposite.

Under the new law, there will be fines for those who are selling illegally and to underage drinkers. The hope is that it will force the people who are making illegal spirits to stop. Organizations like, Blue Cross working in Korogocho, are helping to rehabilitate addicts not only physically, but they are also providing business and entrepreneurship training to help them turn their professional life around.

There is much more to share on this topic. As the project in Korogocho progresses I will post updates. I ask you to say a prayer for those in Korogocho today. Pray that those who are addicted seek help and that the children in Korogocho have a chance for a better life.