Uasin gishu: Uasin Gishu Woman Rep Gladys Shollei and Kesses MP Julius Rutto have raised alarm over a proliferation of illicit liquor triggered by ethanol trafficking and the prevalence of harmful agricultural chemicals, warning that the twin threats pose a serious danger to public health.
According to Kenya News Agency, Shollei voiced her concerns during the groundbreaking for the new 4,000-bed Multi-specialty Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Kiplombe, Soy Sub-County. She highlighted the increase in illicit alcohol, linking the crisis to uncontrolled access to ethanol and disparities in excise duty across East African states. Shollei pointed out that Kenya charges Sh300 per litre, whereas Uganda and Tanzania levy as little as Sh30 and Sh60 respectively, facilitating the smuggling of ethanol into Kenya. This substance is then used to produce toxic brews with an alcohol content as high as 60 percent.
Shollei urged the government to enforce strict transportation standards for ethanol, akin to those for petrol, advocating for its transport in designated tankers instead of widely abused 20-litre containers. She questioned why ethanol is allowed to be transported in jerrycans and called on the Ministries of Health and Interior to take decisive action.
Additionally, Shollei addressed the issue of harmful pesticides in Kenya, many of which are banned in Europe and the United States but continue to be sold and used in the country. She cautioned that these agricultural chemicals are significantly contributing to rising cancer cases, especially in regions with heavy usage, emphasizing the futility of building world-class hospitals while exposing people to carcinogenic products.
Kesses MP Julius Rutto echoed similar concerns, highlighting the lack of action despite repeated reports on ethanol misuse. He stressed the existence of a syndicate operating in the region, with the continued movement of ethanol posing a serious threat to young people, particularly learners. Rutto urged the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, to form a joint task force with the Ministry of Interior personnel to combat the rampant illegal alcohol trade.
The MPs emphasized that while the new hospital facility marks a significant advancement in healthcare infrastructure, addressing preventable causes of illness and death is crucial. They called for swift intervention to safeguard communities across Uasin Gishu and the wider North Rift region.
