MISSION IMPOSSIBLE?

Uasin Gishu declares war on drugs, illicit liquor

Wars on drugs have repeatedly been declared, with fanfare and violence, and they repeatedly failed.

In Summary

• Manufacturers or suppliers of illicit alcohol and hard drugs will face more punitive measures to be enforced by the county headed by Governor Jonathan Bii.

• Uasin Gishu executive for Health Dr Sam Kotut said they were amending the Alcoholic Drinks Act 2014 for the county to provide stringent measures.

A chief in Makwa village pours kangara from a cave in a chang'aa brewing den in the village
DEVIL'S BREW: A chief in Makwa village pours kangara from a cave in a chang'aa brewing den in the village
Image: FILE:

Uasin Gishu is to enact strict laws that will control construction and operation of clubs and bars as part of new measures in the war on illicit liquor and drug abuse.

Manufacturers or suppliers of illicit alcohol and hard drugs will also face more punitive measures to be enforced by the county headed by Governor Jonathan Bii.

The region’s executive for Health Dr  am Kotut said they were amending the Alcoholic Drinks Act 2014 for the county.

Suppliers would be held responsible for any effects, including death
CEC for Health DrD Sam Kotut

It will  include the involvement of other government agencies in the war against the illicit alcohol and drugs.

“We plan more punitive measures against brewers some of whom have been arrested many times but continue to engage in the illicit business,” Kotut said.

He said the county physical planning department would also ensure that they do not approve construction of clubs without proper follow up on zoning regulations. 

“We will also provide for proper keeping of records and strict follow up and investigation on cases of consumption of liquor and suppliers would be held responsible for any effects, including death,” Dr Kotut said.

He said they were taking the new measures to protect the health and lives of residents.

County Secretary Edwin Bett said addiction,  mental incapacitation, property loss, broken families and death through alcohol and drug abuse were on the increase and many resident s were affected either directly or indirectly.

“Those affected directly are our children, our neighbours, brothers, sisters, our parents, colleagues and in one or another way we are all affected by the illicit alcohol and drugs menace,” Bett said.

The county leadership and the Alcoholic Drinks Control Board  has called upon all residents to take collective responsibility in the fight against the illicit brew and distribution of illegal drugs.

The county officials spoke when they met with MCAs including committee members in charge of Health to discuss how best to deal with the problem.

Uasin Gishu executive for Health Dr Sam Kotut speaking in Eldoret on May 12
STRIKING HARD: Uasin Gishu executive for Health Dr Sam Kotut speaking in Eldoret on May 12
Image: MATHEWS NDANYI

The assembly health committee is chaired by MCA Rebecca Magut.

County secretary Bett called on government agencies including Nacada, the Kenya Police, Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, the administration, Judiciary and all stakeholders "to come together and save our people especially the youth from these vices.”

He said they had discussed with the county police commander to set up an enforcement team that would go round the county to enforce regulations and fight the illicit drink and drugs.

Magut said they would speed up amendments to strengthen the existing laws on the war against the illicit alcohol.

(Edited by V. Graham)

WATCH: The latest videos from the Star