Highlights
- Deputy President’s war against illicit brews. His determination to protect the next generation, despite potential political consequences.
- Nyandarua County first in signing bill into law
- Other counties like Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, and Kiambu also working on similar laws.
- The law establishes committees, prohibits sales in specific outlets, and mandates written applications.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua shared his commitment yesterday to championing strict measures against illicit brews, even if it means facing significant political consequences. He expressed concern that these dangerous brews pose a serious threat to wiping out an entire generation. Speaking warmly to Members of the County Assembly of Nyandarua at his official residence in Karen, Nairobi, Gachagua commended their efforts in passing the County Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill, 2023, designed to combat the sale of harmful concoctions in the county.
County Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill
Governor Kiarie Badilisha swiftly signed the Bill into law on January 19, just two days after the Assembly approved it. Nyandarua stands out as the first county to adopt a robust law to support the fight against illicit alcoholic drinks, drugs, and substance abuse, in line with Deputy President Gachagua’s Executive Order No. 1 and 2 of 2023. Notably, other counties, including Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, and Kiambu, are also in the process of developing similar legislation.
“We won’t back down in this battle. Despite the attempts to dissuade me, we will persist. If ensuring the enactment and strict enforcement of laws to safeguard the next generation leads to the end of our political careers, so be it,” declared Gachagua.
The Deputy President emphasized the lack of pride in leading a population affected by alcoholism, stating, “There is no pride in being the Deputy President and witnessing people stagger and sleep in ditches due to alcohol. I want to lead a community of sober, prosperous, smart, hardworking individuals who care for themselves and their families.”
Committees in charge of licensing
The newly enacted law establishes Sub-County Alcoholic Drinks Regulation Committees responsible for licensing in their respective areas. It also prohibits the transportation of alcoholic drinks between 6 pm and 8 am. Gachagua celebrated the positive impact of these efforts in curbing alcohol-related issues in the Mt Kenya region.
Under the new law, each subcounty in Nyandarua will have a committee overseeing applications for retail and wholesale licenses. Local supermarkets are restricted from selling alcoholic drinks unless measures are taken to prevent access by individuals under 18 years.
Gachagua reiterated, “There is no need for one to lead a drunken population. There is no pride in being the Deputy President and everywhere I go, people are staggering and sleeping in ditches for being alcoholics. I would like to lead sober and dignified people; people who are prosperous, smart, and work hard and take care of themselves and their families.”
The law also establishes the County Alcoholic Drinks Regulation and Management Committee to streamline the issuance of licenses for the manufacture, distribution, and sale of alcoholic drinks in the devolved unit. Notably, licenses will not be granted to outlets within fast-food restaurants
Fines for non-compliance
The new Act mandates individuals involved in producing, manufacturing, distributing, or selling alcoholic drinks to submit a written application to the management committee. Failure to obtain a license within Nyandarua may result in a fine of up to Sh30,000 or a sentence of up to four months.
According to the Act, the sub-county committee will prepare a notice within 21 days of license application, listing all applicants and the types of licenses sought. This notice will be displayed at the Office of the Deputy County Commissioner.