Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has ordered the arrest of liquor store owners operating near schools.
Speaking at St. Germaine Gatanga Girls High School in Murang’a on Friday August 11, Kindiki assured parents that their children will be safe.
Further, CS Kindiki stated that people with malicious intent of ruining the children will be dealt with.
Additionally, CS Kindiki said many young people who the country is depending on to take over the responsibility of running the nation and parenthood are hooked on drugs and the abuse of alcohol.
“All people who are involved in selling drugs to our children must know they are greatest enemy of Kenya.
We are going to fight them and my colleagues in the ministry have already been instructed to fight alcoholism and drugs, and ensure our schools are secure from those who want to profit by destroying our young people,” he said.
Also Read: Interior CS Kindiki Plans Crackdown on Illicit Liquor Sellers
In addition, CS Kindiki said they have a responsibility as parents, society and officers of the law to ensure that all students across the country have good morals to study and prosper in life.
Also, Kindiki assured parents that his Ministry will fight individuals with intentions of ruining children.
“If there anybody who is selling alcohol near schools or trying to lure students into drug abuse, that is an enemy to the country just like the Al Shabab.
We will fight you with the same strength, vigor, and commitment that we are using to fight other enemies including bandits and terrorists,” said CS Kindiki.
Also Read: Babu Owino’s Alternative for the Fight Against Illicit Brew
NACADA Report on Drug Abuse in Schools
In 2021, the National Authority for Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) published a survey, ‘Status of Drugs and Substance Abuse among Primary School Pupils in Kenya’.
NACADA said that the national survey was carried out in June 2018 and revealed that 20.2 percent of primary students have been under the influence of drugs once in their lifetimes.
This survey revealed that over 16.9 percent of total learners were using at least one substance of abuse or drug.
It further disclosed that 3.2 percent of primary school pupils were using tobacco, while 2.6 percent were on alcohol and at least 2.3 percent were involved in chewing miraa or muguka.
