Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Eng. John Barorot has called for enhanced collaboration among all key agencies and stakeholders in the fight against illicit drinks and drug abuse.
Eng. Barorot while addressing a multi-agency meeting noted that Uasin Gishu County is central to the North Rift Region which is vast and two of its counties are borderline to neighbouring countries which makes it prone to ease various forms of illicit trade which manifest in either counterfeit or smuggling.
“This is a continuation of the call by Deputy President H.E Rigathe Gachagua in a meeting held in Nakuru, on control of alcoholic drinks and drug abuse that has become a menace, especially to the youth.
There are emerging trends with one notably known as koroga that has really spread in the market. We are carrying out an intelligence-based intervention where we are taking every recommendation to key actors for an effective action plan,” noted Eng. Barorot.
On his part, County Commissioner Dr Edison Nyale noted that the team is in the process of profiling all illicit brewers to establish the scope of the supplies and their markets in the region.
In his speech, County Secretary Edwin Bett reiterated that enforcement needs to be strengthened and the focus should now focus on the inspection and licensing process to ensure that the outlets that are not licensed do not operate.
Rehabilitation centres
“We are ahead of other counties in working together with the National Government arm. All the outlets that have been licensed by the County Government had all the stakeholders involved. We are looking into establishing rehabilitation centres to manage addiction cases within the county.
We also need to look into the products sold in the licensed outlets to establish its brand identity and if its legitimate for consumption. The hours of operation should also be within the provided law,” emphasised Bett.
In addition, he gave an elaborate plan by the County Government leadership through the Alcoholic Drinks Control Board Directorate headed by Director Koiya Arap Maiyo, on supporting reformed brewers through funding support to establish other sources of income to sustain their livelihoods.
Chief Magistrate Adv. Dennis Mikoyan called on a multidisciplinary engagement with the Judiciary with the intention to review arrests and prosecution guidelines on illicit trade.
County Police Commander Benjamin Mwathi who also attended the forum noted that a positive attitude to work was key and that collective responsibility by all players would eliminate illicit brew in the County.
Alcohol Drinks Control Board Chair Josphine Tireito appreciated the support the Board has received from all agencies promising action on interventions discussed.
The meeting was attended by hundreds of leaders also saw in attendance CECM Public Service Management Elijah Kosgei, Chief Officer Health Services Ms Joyce Sang, Chief Officer Administration Mark Some, Principal RVTTI, KRA reps, NACADA reps, NGAO, Anti Counterfeit Authority rep, KEBS rep, Deputy County Commissioners, Sub County Administrators, Ward Administrators, Police officers, Chiefs and Sub Chiefs.
