The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has declared its full support for the government's newly launched 100-day Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) aimed at eliminating second-generation alcohol.
NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr Anthony Omerikwa affirmed the agency’s commitment to working in close coordination with national and county governments, enforcement bodies, health institutions, and community stakeholders to ensure the success of the initiative.
“As the lead agency in the fight against alcohol and drug abuse, NACADA will play a central role in this campaign,” Omerikwa said in a statement.
“We will enhance public education campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers of illicit alcohol and increase monitoring and evaluation efforts to measure the impact and sustain momentum beyond the 100 days.”
Omerikwa’s remarks came hours after Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen officially launched the crackdown during a high-level security briefing in Kiambu County.
Murkomen described the situation as a national security crisis, citing the widespread manufacture, sale, and consumption of adulterated alcohol as a threat to communities and public health.
“This is a national security threat,” Murkomen stated.
“We are putting on notice all rogue businesspersons and individuals involved in the illicit alcohol trade. The time for action is now.”
He issued a strong warning to politicians, police officers, and public administrators who are allegedly shielding or benefitting from the illegal trade.
“Regrettably, some of those behind this business are government officials, county staff, and politicians. These are the very people who should be protecting our citizens. We will deal with them firmly and within the law,” he added.
The 100-day campaign will primarily target licensed manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and consumers engaged in the production or sale of illegal or adulterated alcoholic products.
With NACADA’s involvement, the government hopes to not only dismantle supply chains but also empower communities with knowledge and tools to resist harmful substances.
Public health advocates involved in the fight against unregulated alcohol consumption have welcomed the move.
