The West Pokot County Inter-Agency team tasked with addressing alcohol and drug abuse has been urged to embrace extensive sensitization models to help curb this growing menace. During a meeting organized by the National Authority for Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada), the team was informed that alcohol and drug abuse is disrupting the socio-economic foundations of many families, necessitating a broader engagement to better assist the government in serving its people.
Scola Komen from Nacada, the secretariat to the forum, emphasized the need to conduct sensitization campaigns in schools, focusing on positive schooling and parenting. “The fight against alcohol and drug abuse can be effectively carried out at a tender age among children. A multi-agency team is essential as it prevents finger-pointing, thereby enhancing the success of adhering to directives,” Komen said.
Nacada intends to establish desk offices in every county, with Turkana and Baringo counties being the top priorities, to intensify sensitization among the local communities and business owners regarding liquor laws.
A report from the County Liquor Licensing Board revealed that there are 126 registered alcohol outlets in the region, with West Pokot Sub County accounting for 102 of them within the Makutano Centre and its surroundings. The board secretary, Moses Khaemba, noted that there are several hotspots where drugs and illicit brew are being peddled, and the reports have been forwarded to the relevant authorities for action.
The board also highlighted the challenge of smuggling alcohol products from the neighboring country of Uganda due to the porous border, making it difficult for law enforcement to curb the influx of these products. In Kacheliba sub-county, for instance, the majority of the liquor stocks are from Uganda, as consumers claim they are cheaper than the Kenyan brands.
The committee, chaired by the West Pokot Assistant County Commissioner, Emily Ogolla, agreed that all unlicensed bars should be closed down. Ogolla also urged the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to ensure that repeat offenders are blacklisted by capturing their official names as they appear on their national identity cards.
The comprehensive approach involving sensitization, enforcement, and cross-border coordination aims to address the multifaceted challenges of alcohol and substance abuse in West Pokot County.
About The Author
