Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced plans by the national and county governments to establish at least one public rehabilitation centre in each of Kenya’s 47 counties.
Kindiki said on Tuesday, September 29, that the facilities will be jointly developed and managed by the two levels of government, with each centre estimated to cost about Ksh60 million.
The government intends to have the rehabilitation centres established within the next year as part of wider efforts to tackle illicit alcohol and drug abuse across the country.
The Deputy President further announced plans to convene a sector forum within 14 days involving the Council of Governors and other relevant stakeholders. The meeting will focus on the licensing and regulation of alcohol trade and consumption, as well as developing a framework for cooperation between the national and county governments in establishing and operating rehabilitation facilities.
Kindiki also directed enforcement and regulatory agencies to conduct fresh inspections of alcohol manufacturing facilities to assess their compliance with existing standards and regulations.
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In addition, a special meeting of the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) is expected to take place in October to deliberate on measures to strengthen the government’s response to illicit alcohol and drug abuse and address the economic impact of addiction.
The announcement comes days after Kindiki raised concern over an increase in deaths among young Kenyans linked to counterfeit alcohol and illicit brews.
On September 25, the Deputy President said he had brought together senior officials from the National Police Service, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) to develop measures to address the spread of harmful alcoholic products.
Kindiki said the government would also work with the Anti-Counterfeit Authority and other agencies to ensure alcoholic beverages sold in the country comply with the required safety and quality standards.
