NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 8 — The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has urged county governments to scale liquor licensing amid a rise in unregulated outlets.
NACADA made the appeal on Thursday, expressing concern over the proliferation of wines and spirits dens in parts of the country.
Citing Tuesday’s incident in Kirinyaga where five people died while six others suffered vision impairment after consuming alcohol at a local bar, NACADA called on the sub-national government to review their enforcement processes.
“We appeal to County Government to execute their devolved licensing mandate to control the proliferation of bars, and wines and spirits outlets, many of which do not meet the required operating standards,” NACADA CEO Dr Anthony Omerikwa stated.
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to protect citizens from counterfeit alcohol.
“We continue to work closely with the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) and other law enforcement agencies to intensify the crackdown on substandard, illicit, and counterfeit alcohol to safeguard the public from harmful alcohol,” NACADA indicated.
According to Kirinyaga Health County Executive George Karoki, alcohol consumed in the Tuesday incident contained traces of ethanol which is responsible for blurred vision and liver cirrhosis.
“The affected victims were given an antidote of ethanol, and we have received reports that the victims have regained their eyesight,” he stated.
The Fourth Schedule of the Constitution on the distribution of functions between the national and county governments, mandates devolved units to control drugs and pornography.
