Uasin Gishu county has reduced the number of licensed bars to about 700 in the ongoing war on alcoholism.
In the last one year, the county has cancelled licences for more than 1,300 bars and drinking joints.
Alcoholic Drinks Control Board director Koiya arap Maiyo said there were 2,100 licensed bars and drinking joints last year but only 740 have been licensed to operate under the leadership of Governor Jonathan Bii.
He said strict licensing procedures have been introduced to ensure no bars is located near learning institutions or hospitals.
"We have had a problem with alcoholism and Governor Bii has instructed us to support President William Ruto's plan to have a sober and healthy nation," Maiyo said.
He said the county is cognisant of the challenges caused by alcoholism and will not compromise on the licensing procedures.
"When Governor Bii's administration took over, the county was licensing more than 2,000 bars but we have since introduced strict compliance procedures before anyone is allowed to sell alcohol," Maiyo said.
He said in the near future, the county will only allow bars to operate in urban areas but away from restricted areas that include residential areas.
A few days ago, hundreds of women protested against increased alcoholism at Garage Market in the county.
Garage Market has a population of less than 1,000 people but has more than 25 licensed and illegal bars.
The women complained that their sons and husbands had abandoned homes and camped at drinking joints wasting away their lives.
They women carried placards and twigs pleading with the county government to shut down all bars in the area to stop the disintegration of families due to alcoholism.
More than nine deaths linked to alcoholism have been reported in the area in one month.
Maiyo said the county has stepped up inspection measures to ensure bars and clubs only operate within regulated time.
The county would also step up sensitisation campaigns.
He said the county would open applications for licensing in the new financial year, but they plan to further reduce the number of drinking joints.
Bii said he is working closely with the board and other relevant agencies to fight alcoholism and consumption of illicit brews.
“Alcoholism has ruined the lives of many of our people, especially the youth, and we have decided to effectively apply measures that will reverse the situation,” he said.
