Editor's Review

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced the government’s plan to establish at least one public rehabilitation centre in every county. 

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced the government’s plan to establish at least one public rehabilitation centre in every county. 

In a statement on Tuesday, September 29, DP Kindiki said the initiative will be implemented jointly by the national and county governments, and each facility is expected to cost Ksh60 million.

The Deputy President also said the rehabilitation centers will be built within the next year. 

“The National and County Governments will partner to build and operate at least one public rehabilitation centre per County within the next one year, at an estimated cost of 60 million shillings per facility,” said DP Kindiki. 

According to Kindiki, the initiative is part of the government’s plan to combat illicit alcohol and drug abuse in the country. 

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File image of DP Kithure Kindiki. 

At the same time, the DP announced that a forum will be convened in the next 14 days to bring together the council of governors and relevant stakeholders to discuss licensing and regulation of alcohol trade and consumption. 

DP Kindiki also said the forum will also discuss developing a framework for cooperation between the national and county governments in establishing and managing rehabilitation services. 

“We agreed that the Cabinet secretary for Interior and National Administration will, within 14 days and in liaison with the relevant committee of the Council of Governors, convene a sector forum on matters of licensing and control of alcohol trade and consumption as well as the framework for partnership in establishing and running of rehabilitation services,” Kindiki stated. 

DP Kindiki further directed enforcement and regulatory agencies to re-inspect alcohol manufacturing premises to establish their current level of compliance with applicable standards and regulations.

Additionally, he announced that a special Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) meeting will be convened in October to discuss and escalate government action against illicit alcohol and drug abuse.

“A Special Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) will be convened in the coming month to escalate action, given the effects of trade in alcohol and drugs and the effects of addiction on the economy,” DP Kindiki added. 

On Friday, September 25, DP Kindiki vowed to take action following the increased number of deaths among Kenyan youths related to the consumption of counterfeit alcohol and illicit brew.

Speaking in Nyeri County Kindiki said he had convened a meeting with Police IG Douglas Kanja, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)to address the menace.

The meeting will take place at his Karen office, where the leaders of the government agencies and law enforcement are expected to come up with an effective solution to the menace.

"There are some poisonous alcoholic drinks which are causing havoc to our youth, and we cannot allow that to continue. I have asked all leaders in the security docket to my office in Karen so that we can address the issue.

"I have also asked KRA, Anti-Counterfeit Authority, and KEBS to meet me because we must ensure that the alcoholic drinks in the country meet the required standard," Kindiki announced.