Murang’a: As efforts to combat illicit brews, unlicensed liquor, and substance abuse intensify, national government officials and security agencies have been urged to step up the crackdown on liquor outlets operating near learning institutions.
According to Kenya News Agency, the call comes days after Murang’a County launched a 100-day Rapid Response Initiative (RRI) aimed at intensifying the crackdown on illicit alcohol, drug trafficking, and related criminal activities. Notably, the initiative is already yielding results, as just three days ago a large consignment of counterfeit alcohol worth Sh 1 million was seized at a residential house in Kenol’s Kagaa area, with reports indicating that illegal trade continues to thrive near schools, particularly in Kenol.
Speaking at Kimorori Grounds during the launch of Murang’a County NGAAF annual allocation for bursaries and scholarships year 2026-2027, Murang’a County Woman Representative Betty Maina and national government administrators said the fight against a
lcohol and drug abuse near learning institutions was unstoppable, noting that authorities were fully committed to safeguarding the future of education. Maina called on the security agents to bring to book the perpetrators who are keen on destroying the education sector through their illegal activities and influence.
Maina emphasized that children must be allowed to pursue education without the influence of alcohol and other substance abuse, as it is only through education that they can uplift their lives, build independence, and help promote economic growth by reducing poverty. She also called on the county government to ensure there is no licensing of bars and alcohol outlets near learning institutions, urging a focus on both low-level offenders and the financiers and suppliers of these illicit activities.
Kimorori ACC Patrick Kibera noted that in collaboration with the NGAO officials, security agents had launched the crackdown, as the sale of liquor near learning institutions is detrimental to the progres
s, success, and development of the nation. He stressed that all liquor outlets must adhere to the alcoholic drinks and control act of 2010, which mandates that businesses should not be located less than 300 meters from any learning institutions.
The ACC also addressed parents, discouraging them from preventing their school-age children from pursuing further education by engaging them in early income-generating activities like motorcycle businesses, which can lead to school dropouts and expose young people to risky livelihoods. He advocated for allowing children to pursue education as a means of supporting sustainable development and promoting equality.
Parents present at the event urged relevant agencies to act swiftly to close alcohol outlets operating near schools. The Woman representative launched the NGAAF 2026/2027 financial year bursary and scholarships program worth over Sh16.6 million, aimed at supporting vulnerable students, orphans, learners living with disabilities, and students from humble backg
rounds across Murang’a County.
