By F, KNA
As the fight against illicit brew, unlicensed liquor and substance abuse intensifies National government administration officers and security agencies have been urged to intensify the crackdown on liquor outlets operating within the precincts of learning institutions.
The call comes days after Murang’a county launched a 100-day Rapid Response Initiative (RRI) aimed at intensifying the crackdown on illicit alcohol, drug trafficking and related criminal activities.
Notably, the initiative is already yielding results as just three days ago a large consignment of counterfeit alcohol worth Sh 1million was seized at a residential house in Kenol’s Kagaa area with reports indicating that illegal trade continues to thrive near schools particularly in Kenol.
Speaking at Kimorori Grounds during the launch of Murang’a County NGAAF annual allocation for bursaries and scholarships year 2026-2027, Murang’a County Woman representative Betty Maina and national government administrators said the fight against alcohol and drug abuse near learning institutions was unstoppable noting that authorities were fully committed to safeguarding the future of education.
Maina called on the security agents to bring to book the perpetrators who are keen on destroying the education sector through their illegal activities and influence .
“Children must be allowed to pursue education without the influence of alcohol and other substances abuse as it is only through education that they can uplift their lives, build independence and help promote economic growth by reducing poverty,” said the MP.
She also called on the county government to ensure there is no licensing of bars and alcohol outlets near learning institutions.
“As you deal with low level offenders, you must also focus on the financiers and suppliers,” said Maina.
Maina reiterated that sustained collaboration between security agencies, parents, and the community is essential in creating a safe and conducive learning environment for all students.
“Surveys by NACADA have shown that shops and bars near schools are among the common sources from which students obtain alcohol and drugs and we must protect our children at all cost,” noted the MP.
Kimorori ACC Patrick Kibera noted that in collaboration with the NGAO officials, security agents had launched the crackdown as sale of liquor near learning institutions is detrimental to the progress, success and development of the nation.
“We will ensure that we protect our learning institutions and all liquor outlets must observe the alcoholic drinks and control act of 2010 that dictates that their businesses should be not be located less than 300 metres from any learning institutions” he said.
“As we encourage our children to pursue education, we must also protect them from influence and induction into drug, alcohol and substance abuse, “ said Kibera.
The ACC also called on parents who discourage their school age- children from pursuing further education
“Some of you parents, immediately your child completes their primary school education, you buy them a motorcycle and tell them to start making money instead of continuing with their education,” he added.
He noted that this practice promotes school drop outs and exposes young people to risky livelihoods at an early age.
“Allow them to pursue education which is a game changer which in the end will support sustainable development and is an equaliser regardless of social status,” the ACC noted.
The parents present called on the agencies involved to act with speed and ensure that alcohol outlets operating near schools are closed.
“Our children are being destroyed by these drugs and illicit alcohol sold just a few metres from schools and homes. We are asking the police to intensify patrols, arrest the culprits and even close down those establishments before this generation is wiped out,” said John Mwangi, a parent.
The Woman representative launched the NGAAF 2026/2027 financial year bursary and scholarships program worth over Sh16,6 million which will support vulnerable students, orphans, learners living with disabilities and students from humble backgrounds across Murang’a County.
