Alcoholism and drug abuse is among some of the main issues that the society is battling today.
The two have been attributed to addiction, mental incapacitation, property loss, broken families and death.
Both the youth and the elderly have been victims of alcoholism and drug abuse.
It is for these reasons that the leadership of the County Government of Uasin Gishu and the Alcoholic Drinks Control Board is calling upon all residents to take a collective responsibility in the fight against illicit brew and distribution of illegal drugs.
County Secretary Edwin Bett says that the time to fight the vice is now and wants everyone to join.
“We call upon all the Government agencies including , NACADA, Kenya Police, Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, administration, Judiciary and all stakeholders to come together and save our people especially the youth from these vice,” said the County Secretary.
He spoke while with the County Executive Committee Member for the Department of Health Services Dr Sam Kotut, during a discussion with the County assembly Committee Members on Health chaired by Rebecca Magut.
Further, Bett reiterated Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s call on fight against unregulated liquor outlets.
“We have had a discussion with the County Commander to set up an enforcement team that will go round the county; because we have been made aware that the sale of second generation and portable spirits has become so rampant that there are people actually hawking the drinks in villages,” he said.
Maximum charge on brewers
On his part, Health County Executive Dr. Sam Kotut, said that the County’s move to ammend the Alcoholic Drinks Act 2014, to include the involvement of other Government agencies would be of great benefit.
“We need to put maximum charge to brewers arrested on multiple occasions, the physical planning department need to also ensure that they do not approve construction of clubs without proper follow up on zoning regulations. Strict follow up and investigation on cases of death of persons through suspected consumption of liquor be done intensively so that those who supplied be charged for the life lost,” added Dr. Kotut.
Additionally, the Kuinet/Kapsuswa MCA Rebecca Chepchirchir Magut assured the County Assembly’s support and fast tracking the ammendments to pass them immediately.
The meeting was also attended by Chair ADCB Hon Josphine Tireito, County Assembly Committee Health members, ADCB committee, and the Director ADCB Koiya Arap Maiyo.
