Effects of Khat Use on Males’ Performance of Their Urban Household Roles in Eastleigh Estate in Nairobi City

Abstract

The study evaluated the effects of khat abuse on the males’ performance of their household roles. It focused on adult males who chew khat in Eastleigh estate in Nairobi. Males like other household members are very important and their contribution to the stability of the household through performance of their roles cannot be underrated. There is instability in households. The study sought to evaluate if khat abuse affects males behaviour making them not to perform their roles hence bringing about the instability in the households. The study was guided by two research questions: 1. Do household characteristics make males abuse khat? 2. Does irresponsibility by khat abusing males lead to instability in households? Two theories; the Psychoanalytic Theory by Sigmud Freud and Deviance. Theory by Durkheim was used to enhance the study. The study revealed that household characteristics made males engage in khat abuse, that khat abuse affected males’ behaviour making them fail to fulfill their households responsibilities and leading to instability in their households. The study used both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Primary data were obtained from adult males who consumed khat in Eastleigh area and their other family members. The informants (area chief and the assistant chief) gave important information that enhanced the study. A total of 65 respondents were interviewed. The study revealed that households have been greatly affected by khat abuse and there is need for more studies in order to bring to light the real truth about khat abuse in order to help those who are suffering quietly as a result of khat abuse and save those in danger of being victims of khat abuse in future.