The government has announced plans to implement stricter penalties, including asset seizure, for individuals involved in the illegal alcohol trade as the country confronts a growing addiction crisis affecting millions of citizens.
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen revealed the shift in strategy from routine arrests to targeting the financial operations of illicit alcohol barons, arguing that traditional penalties have failed to curb the trade.
“If you arrest them and leave their assets untouched, nothing changes. The courts fine them Ksh. 1 million, yet some of them make Ksh. 10 million in a single week. So, what is Ksh. 1 million to him?” he asked, highlighting the inadequacy of current enforcement measures.
Murkomen noted that many illicit traders simply pay fines and resume operations, making arrests ineffective. He stressed that asset seizure would ensure offenders face meaningful consequences.
“As long as illicit alcohol remains profitable, arrests without asset seizure will not halt this trade,” the CS said during a TV interview.
Addiction Crisis Reaches National Emergency Levels
The Cabinet Secretary described the scale of substance abuse in Kenya as a national emergency, citing research from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) showing that 4.9 million Kenyans struggle with drug and alcohol addiction.
“During the Jukwaa la Usalama forums, I visited all 47 counties and found evidence of drug and alcohol abuse in every region of Kenya,” Murkomen revealed.
He further warned that alcohol and drug abuse pose a greater security threat than terrorism or banditry due to their widespread impact.
“The most serious threats to national security are terrorism, banditry, and alcohol and drug abuse. Of the three, the most widespread challenge we have in the country is alcohol and drug abuse, as it affects every part of the country,” he explained.
Proposed Reforms to Tackle Alcohol Abuse
As part of the government’s reforms, Murkomen announced plans to:
- Raise the legal drinking age from 18 to 21
- Ban online alcohol sales, which have facilitated underage access
“Many parents are unaware that their children are ordering alcohol online, making it possible for underage individuals to obtain it,” he said.
The CS also linked the growth of illegal alcohol operations to corruption and complacency within law enforcement, noting that illicit brewers thrive in areas where local administrators and police either fail to act or actively collude.
“You will never see a place where there is a prevalence of alcohol without the complacency and sometimes, cooperation and support of the OCS and police officers of that area,” Murkomen said.
“When there is collusion between the Chief, OCS, and the police, they facilitate the protection of brewers. In areas where alcohol is sold, corruption serves as the primary enabler,” he added.
Addiction Infiltrates Public Service
Murkomen also highlighted the impact of addiction within the public sector, revealing that about 160,000 public servants struggle with alcohol addiction, undermining service delivery and the fight against substance abuse.
“There is a crisis in public service. About 160,000 public servants are addicted to alcohol. The very people who should help us combat alcohol abuse are themselves struggling with addiction,” he stated.
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