The government will revoke licences of all bars operating near schools in Murang’a county, as part of its efforts to safeguard the education sector.
The move aims at protecting learners from social vices and evils associated with alcohol exposure, abuse and even immature indulgence.
Speaking during the inaugural graduation ceremony at Maragua Technical Training Institute (MTTI), Murang’a County, which was also graced by Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Ogamba announced that the government is conducting a comprehensive audit of all licensed bars countrywide.
He warned that any outlets within close proximity to schools will have their licences cancelled with immediate effect.
Ogamba emphasised that protecting the learning environment is a top priority that the ministry will not gamble with.
“As a government, we are determined to resolve this challenge. We cannot compromise the future of our children for revenue from bar licences; thus, our focus now is to ensure that schools remain safe and conducive for learning,” he added.
The announcement comes amid constant criticism directed at the Murang’a county government, with leaders accusing the devolved entity of allowing some of the bars to operate very close to schools, thus contributing to alcoholism, drug abuse and other social vices among students.
Led by the Murang’a county Women Representative Betty Maina the leaders noted that the county administration had failed to tackle the alcoholic menace in the area, but instead they seemed to abet the vice.
Betty was emphatic that decisive action has to be taken to safeguard the future of our children.
“It must be noted that we have social problems related to alcohol abuse, which were grossly affecting the education system here in Murang’a county.
“The county government has been licensing bars near schools, and there are even business people selling drugs to schoolchildren. We cannot ignore the social environment surrounding our schools, putting our children’s education and well-being at great risk,” she stated.
The women rep wondered loudly how education can be supported with bars so close to learning institutions.
“The revenue you collect in licences cannot be compared to lives lost and futures ruined and this fight will only succeed if licensing is strictly reviewed,” she said.
Echoing similar sentiments, Maragua MP Mary Wamaua criticised the lack of general enforcement measures as far as fighting alcohol abuse is concerned.
“The county government has failed by not adhering even to what the liquor licensing committee put in place a few years ago, yet there is a law that bars must be at least 300 metres away from learning institutions,” she said.
The MP noted that the requirement had not been enforced, making the local education sector suffer untold consequences.
Murang’a Deputy Governor Stephen Munania in response highlighted a key obstacle: the judiciary.
He revealed that the main challenge in regulating bar licences is that many owners continue operating under court orders.
“Last financial year, we licensed 2,700 bars out of 4,000 that had applied for licenses, but the problem arises when bar owners go to courts and continue operating despite violating distance rules,” he said.
Munania reiterated the county government’s commitment to supporting the education sector and ensuring that all learners in the country study in a conducive environment, devoid of negative influences.
Meanwhile, the government has assured school administrators and parents that funding for the third term had been released.
“The capitation for the third term has been released and will be in school accounts by next week to ensure smooth running of our learning institutions,” Ogamba said.
By Florence Kinyua
