The members of the Makueni County Multi-agency on Alcoholic and Drug Abuse Control Committee (ADACC) have resolved to work together in an effort to combat the increase of counterfeit alcohol and drug and substance abuse in the area.
The resolution was reached in a ADACC meeting chaired by a Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Peter Kimani at the County Commissioner’s Boardroom on Tuesday where they agreed that this will enhance and make their work easier as each stakeholder will be available for quick consultation hence solve emerging issues.
During the meeting, the members pointed out that the hotspot areas where there is rampant counterfeit alcohol and drug abuse include Kilyungi and Kasikeu markets, Kikima, Matiliku and Mtito Andei towns.
“We need to make a move and cause impact as a team in fighting counterfeit alcohol and drug abuse in the county especially when carrying out crackdowns,” said Kimani who doubles up as the Personal Assistant (PA) to the County Commissioner.
Speaking in the meeting, Makueni Subcounty Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Paul Langat said that some bars operate in the area without paying for permits for years a situation he said has denied the county government revenue.
On licensing, Langat challenged the county government to a stipulated period between which bar owners can acquire licenses for their premises saying if the time elapses, they wait until the next financial year.
“Let us work together, the county and national governments. This will boost revenue for the county,” said Langat.
“Some bars and outlets operate for whole year without licenses. The county government should specify a period between which bar owners can acquire licenses. This will bring order,” he posed.
During the meeting, it was disclosed that only 1,205 bars have complied and paid for licenses open at the stipulated time out of 2,542 in the county.
On her part, Makueni County NACADA Director Elizabeth Muinde said that the counterfeit alcohol and drug substance abuse has impacted negatively on the youth saying it was imperative the apologizing trend be reversed.
At the same time, she lamented that many bars open before the stipulated time and also close beyond the accepted period noting it was important for the various agencies to work as team to ensure compliance of the law.
“As stakeholders, let us remember, our youths are affected. We need to work as team and be strict. We shall see compliance to the law,” said Muinde.
“We need to conduct joint multi-agency crackdown and identify hotspots to curb the rise of counterfeit alcohol and drug abuse in the county,” she posed.
However, the members expressed their concern for the absence of an official from Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) which was impacting on their operation saying there is a need for them to be present.
Among the strategies members will use to reduce cases of counterfeit alcohol include sensitization of bar owners, Office of the Director of Prosecutions (ODPP) ensure cases are prosecuted quickly, intelligence sharing and support systems including counselling and referral pathways to mention a few.
The different agencies present included Kenya Revenue Authority, Police, ODPP, National Government Administration, Public Health, County and national governments among others.
by Patrick Nyakundi
