Government making progress in ending illicit brews, drugs and substance abuse
Various agencies are consolidating efforts of protecting gains made as the government increases its tempo of eradicating illicit alcohol and drugs abuse in the country.
The efforts, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said, are guided by stringent measures adopted in March 2024.
Mr Gachagua said the Government will not relent in it's resolve to suppress the manufacture, distribution, sale and consumption of illicit brews.
He spoke on Wednesday during a high-level multi-agency meeting which he hosted at the Official Residence in Karen, on implementation of Government directives on eradication of illicit alcohol, drugs and substance abuse.
The forum was attended by Principal Secretaries Raymond Omollo (Internal Security and National Administration), Harry Kimtai (Medical Services) and Terry Mbaika (Devolution) together with top Government officials from the Kenya Revenue Authority and regulatory bodies like Kenya Bureau of Standards was informed that since March police have conducted 65,488 raids on liquor outlets.
From the said raids and law enforcement activities, PS Omollo said that as at June 30, 2024 the County Security teams had arrested 30,675 people and seized 358,000 litres of chang'aa, 2.7 million litres of kangara, 8,000 litres of ethanol and 389 shisha bongs.
The meeting was also informed that the Ministry of Health has since issued directives to all Level Three and above hospitals to establish wards for rehabilitation of persons affected by the vices.
DP Gachagua said the 25 stringent directives announced by the Government on March 6, 2024 to curb illicit brew, drug, and substance abuse in the country have been effective and that the nation has registered gains after fresh vetting of the alcohol manufacturers.
"It is a huge win for this administration with zero cost. This is a war we cannot relent because it is good for the country and has been successful," he stated.
Urging members of the State agencies tasked with the fight against the drugs and drugs abuse to take responsibility and stamp out the menace, the Deputy President praised the County Security teams over their achievements.
He, however, asked the security officers to enhance surveillance at border points to avert entry of contraband goods such as illegal ethanol to be used in manufacturing of second generation alcohol.
"The measures have been effective. Families have been restored and we are getting back our country to sobriety," he said.
In attendance also at the meeting were heads and representatives from the Ministry of Health, The Pharmacy and Poisons Board, Anti-Counterfeit Authority and Office of the Attorney-General are in attendance.
On the fight against drug and substance abuse, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board told the forum that it has inspected 408 premises and prosecution of nine people is ongoing for non-adherence to good pharmaceutical practices.
It added that it has closed 150 premises and seized 325 cartons of medicines.
The agency is also developing guidelines on enhancement of fines and forfeiture of confiscated medicines by the courts.
The State Department for Internal Security and National Administration said it is proposing amendment to the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act to provide for traceability of raw materials and end products throughout the value chain. The proposal is contained in the Government's Omnibus Bill, which is before the Attorney-General.