This study sought to investigate the effects of alcohol consumption and family cohesion in Chania Ward, Kiambu County
in Kenya. The study was guided by three objectives: To investigate the effects of alcohol consumption and financial
instability on the families of Chania ward; to find out the effects of alcohol consumption on domestic violence in the
families of Chania Ward; and to investigate the effects of alcohol consumption on spouse relationship in the families of
Chania Ward, Kiambu County. The study used the Family Systems theory to explain how alcoholism affects the entire
family. The study adopted a cross-sectional mixed research design as the study sought to interview individuals with a
specific characteristic, with a sample, often a tiny minority, of the rest of the population. The total population of the entire
Chania Ward is 6,644 households. Stratified random sampling was used on the households to divide the ward into six
sub-locations namely: Kamwangi, Nguna, Kairi, Igegania, Makwa and Muirigo, whereas purposive sampling was used
to sample the stakeholders in each of the sub-locations. These were the priests, health workers, chiefs and head teachers.
The study utilized primary data which was collected using observation and questionnaire administered personally with
the help of two trained research agents. The collected data was then entered and coded into Statistical Package for Social
Sciences (SPSS ). The data was presented in frequencies, percentages, bar graphs, pie charts, tables, and means. Pearsons
r, correlation was used to determine the relationship between the variables whereas, qualitative data analysis was based
on grounded theories and presented along emerging themes. The study concluded that there is a relationship between
alcohol consumption and financial stability in the families. There is also a relationship between domestic violence and
spouse relationship and alcohol consumption. The study recommends that public advocacy, civic education, and coordinated
efforts between all stakeholders be used to control increased alcohol consumption in the area. The study also recommends
more research into other drug abuse in the area.

Key terms | Family cohesion, binge drinking, alcoholic marriage, financial instability, domestic violence, spouse
relationship, spouse neglect, poverty