Western Regional Commissioner launches crackdown on unlicensed bars

By , K24 Digital
On Sat, 3 Dec, 2022 21:54 | 2 mins read
Western regional commander
Western Regional Commander Isaiah Nakoru at a past event. PHOTO/Courtesy

Unlicensed liquor stores and bars situated in the Western region will remain closed, Western Regional Commissioner Isaiah Nakoru has announced.

Addressing the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) from Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia and Vihiga counties, Nakoru directed regional commanders and police officers in the region to ensure that the new directive is complied failure to which they will be held accountable.

He also noted that the order also applies to liquor stores operating with only one permit license.

“We have also been told that some counties have licensed traditional brews but have not followed procedures yet there are procedures to be followed. We want to ensure our people are sober and engage in productive work,” he added.

At the same time, the RC noted that he has instructed officers to work hand in hand with members of the public in order to arrest those found culpable.

“We have also instructed our officers to continuously hold barazas so that the public can also give them information. We can’t allow this to continue because we are killing the lives of people and promoting poverty in society. When people are drunkards they become less productive, they will never engage in any work,” he stated.

On his part, Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) Victor Okioma sensitized and encouraged NGAO officers to continue creating public awareness on the dangers and abuse of drugs.

Okioma further urged county governments to help set up rehabilitation facilities for people affected by substance abuse.

“The constitution has devolved drug control and licensing of premises for the sale of alcohol to the counties. We expect them to reinforce money raised from revenue generated by licenses to support prevention programs among their people,” he added.

“We are working with about 10 counties to put up rehabilitation facilities, but the majority of them are not even investing in this and I want to speak to the counties that the war against drug abuse can’t be won unless they come out strongly to participate in this,”

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