Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced intensified government efforts to combat illicit alcohol and drug abuse, including plans to establish at least one public rehabilitation centre in every county.
Kindiki said the National and County governments will partner to build and operate the rehabilitation facilities within the next year, with each centre expected to cost an estimated Sh60 million.
The Deputy President said the government is also strengthening intelligence-led, multi-agency operations aimed at dismantling illicit alcohol and drug cartels, disrupting supply chains and shutting down unlicensed manufacturing establishments.
He attributed recent gains partly to the motivation of village elders through a monthly stipend and the establishment of the National Government Administration Unit (NGAPU), which he said had strengthened grassroots security and enforcement efforts.
“The Government is rolling out additional resourcing and equipping of security and regulatory agencies to upscale enforcement,” Kindiki said.
Kindiki made the remarks after meeting Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and heads of regulatory and enforcement agencies for an update on measures taken to combat illicit alcohol and drug abuse.
The meeting agreed on several measures to strengthen enforcement and coordination between the national and county governments.
Kindiki directed Murkomen to convene, within 14 days, a sector forum with the relevant committee of the Council of Governors to address licensing and control of alcohol trade and consumption.
The forum will also develop a framework for cooperation between the two levels of government in establishing and operating rehabilitation services.
Enforcement and regulatory agencies were further directed to re-inspect alcohol manufacturing premises to establish their current compliance with applicable standards and regulations.
The Deputy President also announced plans for a Special Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) meeting next month to escalate government action on alcohol and drug abuse.
He said the meeting would consider the broader economic impact of alcohol and drug trade, as well as the effects of addiction on the economy.
Kindiki said the government would continue sustaining the fight against illicit alcohol and drugs as part of efforts to protect public health and safeguard future generations.
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