Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has vowed to work closely with the national government agencies in the ongoing efforts to address the problem of illicit brews and substance abuse in the County.
Mr Natembeya who made the commitment on Tuesday when he addressed a multi-agency forum held at the Kitale National Polytechnic urged relevant agencies to conduct a thorough inspection of all bars, hotels and wines and spirits shops to ensure they were adhering to all the required regulations.
Besides top county government officers, the meeting also brought together National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) led by area County Commissioner Mr. Gideon Oyagi, representatives from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), Anti–Counterfeit Authority (ACA) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
The objective of the forum was to raise awareness among law enforcement officers on the importance of proper management and effective strategies to curb what was described as an escalating problem of illegal brews and drugs in the region.
“There is an urgent need for a thorough crackdown of hotels and bars across the county in order to flush out rogue traders that are engaging in illicit businesses,” said Natembeya.
Natembeya said that the county’s strategic location, which is along the border between Kenya and Uganda, had made it an easy target for the proliferation of outlawed alcohol, drug substances as well as counterfeit commodities.
On the issue of drug addicts, the County boss disclosed the devolved unit was working on a plan that would lead to establishment of several rehabilitation centres.
A recent survey by NACADA revealed Western region as having the highest prevalence of alcohol use at 24 per cent followed by the Coast at 14 per cent and Central at 13 per cent.
Oyagi echoed the Governor’s sentiments. “In order to effectively address the growing threat of alcohol and substance abuse, especially to the youth population, President Dr William Ruto and his Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have encouraged multi-sectorial engagements aimed at finding lasting solutions in all the affected counties,” noted Oyagi.