Deputy President Kithure Kindiki speaks when he received an update on measures already taken and proposals for the next phase of the crackdown on illicit alcohol and drug abuse/DPCSDeputy President Kithure Kindiki has outlined a raft of measures to strengthen the government’s fight against illicit alcohol and drug abuse.
The measures include the establishment of at least one public rehabilitation centre in every county.
Kindiki said the national and county governments will partner to build and operate the facilities within the next year at an estimated cost of Sh60 million each.
The Deputy President said the approach will complement intensified enforcement against illicit alcohol manufacturers, distributors and other players in the illegal drug trade. The government has recently stepped up a multi-agency crackdown on unsafe alcoholic beverages and narcotics.
“The national and county governments will partner to build and operate at least one public rehabilitation centre per county within the next one year,” Kindiki said.
He also directed the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen, to convene a sector forum within 14 days in consultation with the relevant committee of the Council of Governors.
The forum will address licensing and regulation of alcohol trade and consumption, as well as the framework for establishing and operating rehabilitation services across the country.
Kindiki further directed enforcement and regulatory agencies to re-inspect manufacturers’ premises to establish their current level of compliance with applicable standards and regulations.
The exercise is expected to target facilities involved in
the production and distribution of alcoholic beverages as the government seeks
to ensure only compliant products reach the market.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen during a meeting on the next phase of the crackdown on illicit alcohol and drug abuse/DPCS
A special session of the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) will also be convened next month to consider further measures to address the economic effects of alcohol and drug abuse.
Kindiki said the government was sustaining the crackdown to protect public health and national security.
“Intelligence-led multi-agency sting operations are progressively dismantling cartels, disrupting supply chains and incapacitating unlicensed manufacturing establishments,” he said.
He said recent measures, including the motivation of village elders through monthly stipends and establishment of the National Government Administration Unit, had strengthened grassroots efforts against illicit alcohol and drugs.
The Deputy President also said the government was providing additional resources and equipment to security and regulatory agencies to enhance enforcement.
Kindiki spoke after meeting Murkomen, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and heads of regulatory and enforcement agencies, where he received an update on measures already taken and proposals for the next phase of the crackdown.
