Bars operating illegally near schools in Murang’a County risk closure as a multi-agency team steps up enforcement against illicit alcohol and moves to protect learners during the long school holiday.

The crackdown will target liquor outlets operating within 300 metres of learning institutions, unlicensed establishments and businesses violating regulations on the sale and consumption of alcoholic drinks.

Murang’a County Commissioner Hassan Bule noted that the fight against alcohol and drug abuse required coordinated action by all stakeholders, warning that failure to address the problem threatened the future of young people.

Speaking during a multi-agency meeting on Wednesday, Bule commended sub-counties that had made progress under the ongoing Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) but urged enforcement officers to seal loopholes exploited by illicit brewers and liquor traders.

 He called on security agencies, county officials and regulatory bodies to conduct joint operations, saying no single institution could effectively tackle the problem alone.

The meeting resolved to intensify inspections and close liquor outlets operating within the restricted distance from schools, particularly those in residential areas.

Establishments operating without valid licences or violating other legal requirements will also face enforcement action.

With learners currently on holiday, Bule urged authorities, parents and communities to remain vigilant against underage drinking and exposure to drugs.

 National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) Murang’a County Coordinator Trizah Mwangi said monitoring liquor outlets during the school break would be critical in preventing minors from accessing alcohol.

Mwangi observed that joint operations would help identify traders selling alcohol illegally, operating without licences or failing to comply with regulations governing the location and operation of liquor outlets.

 She added that the campaign would combine enforcement with public education to discourage underage drinking and strengthen community efforts to protect children from substance abuse.

The meeting also directed the county government to issue a public notice clarifying that liquor outlets would not be permitted to operate around the clock, in line with applicable operating-hour regulations.

 The Murang’a East enforcement team was further directed to take action against two clubs reportedly engaging in stripping activities, while the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) was asked to dedicate at least one day each week to enforcement operations in the county.

The campaign brings together security agencies, the county government, the Kenya Revenue Authority, KEBS, public health officers, NACADA, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and education officials, among other stakeholders.

The agencies are expected to sustain joint inspections to curb illicit, counterfeit and substandard alcoholic drinks while ensuring offenders are subjected to appropriate legal action.

The stakeholders agreed that sustained enforcement, public awareness and closer cooperation among government agencies and communities will be key to reducing alcohol abuse and safeguarding learners during the school holiday.

by Bernard Munyao