The Council of Governors (CoG) is seeking the support of religious leaders in intensifying the fight against illicit alcohol across the country, amid concerns over its devastating impact on young people.
CoG Chairperson and Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki says the church has a critical role to play in safeguarding the country’s moral fabric and mobilising communities towards the complete eradication of illicit brews.
Speaking in Meru during a meeting with clergy from the region, Njuki said the Mount Kenya region remains among the areas hardest hit by the vice, calling on religious leaders to use their influence to raise awareness and encourage communities to join the fight.
He noted that the church’s close relationship with communities could help strengthen efforts to address the production, distribution and consumption of illicit alcohol.
Njuki further revealed that the Council of Governors is part of a task force led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, which is spearheading interventions aimed at curbing the menace.
He said key resolutions adopted by the task force would be implemented across all 47 counties to minimise the harmful effects of illicit brews.
Among the immediate interventions is a crackdown on rogue manufacturers and distributors operating unlicensed breweries, including individuals who have turned their homes into illegal alcohol production centres.
According to Njuki, county governments have instructed their enforcement officers to intensify operations against the illegal establishments as part of broader efforts to dismantle the networks behind the trade.
The governor also called for stricter checks and balances in the issuance of licences to alcohol manufacturers and distributors, emphasising the need to verify applicants’ documentation and ensure compliance with regulations.
Authorities are also expected to scrutinise the proximity of alcohol manufacturing and distribution outlets to sensitive institutions, including schools and churches.
The renewed push comes amid growing concerns over the effects of illicit alcohol on young people and calls for coordinated action by national and county governments, religious institutions and local communities to eliminate the trade.
