Day: March 19, 2024

NAIROBI, Kenya – In a significant move to curb illicit alcohol production and ensure public safety, the Kenyan government has formed a specialized multi-agency team dedicated to the stringent vetting of alcohol licenses and operations across the country.

According to Kenya News Agency, the vetting initiative began on Monday, involving key agencies such as the State Department for Internal Security, the Office of the Deputy President, Public Health and Professional Standards, Trade, Labour and Skills Development, and other pertinent authorities. The comprehensive verification process aims to enforce stringent measures, including the installation of quality control laboratories by manufacturers, rigorous scrutiny of raw materials and finished products, and strict product tracking systems from production to consumer.

Dr. Omollo announced that all licenses for so-called second-generation alcohol producers remain suspended during the nationwide vetting. This affects 35 companies whose licenses were either previously suspended, cancelled, or found to be inactive. The primary focus will be on spirit manufacturers, with 29 premises expected to undergo thorough examination.

Additionally, county security teams have been instructed to execute 25 directives issued by the Ministry, targeting the closure of all unlicensed production facilities and outlets within a ten-day timeframe. The enforcement actions extend to bars operating illegally in residential areas or near schools and those breaching operational hours, resulting in the closure of 6,931 establishments and confiscation of alcoholic products.

The initiative also encompasses evaluating the integrity and performance of local officers, with reviews already underway in counties such as Kiambu, Muranga, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Nyandarua, Nakuru, Machakos, and Meru. The Principal Secretary underscored the government’s commitment to addressing alcohol and drug abuse, recognizing them as significant threats to public safety and national security. He cited detrimental impacts including deaths from adulterated alcohol, decreased productivity, health issues, and the fueling of organized crime.

Dr. Omollo appealed to the public for cooperation in reporting illegal establishments and emphasized the continuous prohibition of Shisha, leading to the shutdown of 80 outlets. The crackdown also extends to the pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors, with 804 pharmacies and 761 agrovets closed for non-compliance.

The government has declared the fight against illicit alcohol, drugs, and substance abuse as a major national security concern, introducing 25 key directives to reinforce crackdowns, regulations, and enforcement measures throughout the supply and demand chain.

TESO NORTH — In a significant operation targeting illicit brews, drugs, and substance abuse, over 20 premises have been shut down in Teso North Sub County, as per the local authorities. This move comes as part of an intensified effort to comply with national directives aimed at curbing illegal activities related to alcohol and drugs.

According to Kenya News Agency, the crackdown was initiated following orders from the Cabinet Secretary of the Interior, leading to a comprehensive search and closure of unlicensed establishments, including bars, pharmacies, and agro-vets. Specifically, the operation resulted in the closure of seven bars, thirteen pharmacies, and six agro-vet stores found to be operating without the necessary legal permits.

Wambura emphasized the increased patrol efforts across the sub-county, aimed at reducing substance abuse and aligning with the broader governmental goal of protecting future generations. He highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the security teams, including the evasion tactics employed by some business owners who operate nocturnally to escape law enforcement.

The DCC has issued a directive to local chiefs and assistant chiefs, mandating that all operators of drinking establishments must possess valid licenses and adhere to regulations, such as maintaining a minimum distance of 300 meters from educational institutions.

However, the security team in Busia, where Teso North is located, encounters significant challenges due to the porous nature of the border with Uganda. Wambura pointed out that innovative smuggling techniques are being utilized, notably by boda boda (motorbike taxi) operators, who assist in transporting illicit brews such as chang’aa and ethanol across the border, particularly through the river Malakisi and the Moding area. Despite these obstacles, Wambura assured that the police are maintaining high vigilance and are preparing to prosecute those caught in violation of the law.

Since the initiation of this crackdown, over 30 individuals have been brought before the Amagoro law court for failing to meet the legal standards set by the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act. Additionally, the implicated pharmacy and agro-vet owners have been given a 30-day ultimatum to present their licenses or face permanent closure of their businesses, a mandate set forth by the Kenya Pharmacy and Poisons Board (KPPB).

MARAGUA — Following the recent presidential directive, the Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company (Muwasco) has successfully initiated a significant water connectivity project in Maragua, promising enhanced access to clean water for homesteads and public institutions alike. This initiative is in line with President William Ruto’s announcement last month regarding the management of the Maragua Dam, aiming to address longstanding water scarcity issues in the region.

According to Kenya News Agency, since the completion of the Sh. 1 billion Maragua Dam in early 2023, over 1,000 homesteads have been connected to a clean water supply. The company has set an ambitious target of connecting over 20,000 homes by June this year. This move comes as a relief to the local residents who have faced water access challenges for years. The effort to install water pipes and improve infrastructure aims to extend the reach of clean water services to more homes and educational institutions within the area.

Residents and local institutions, such as the Murang’a Technical Institute and Maragua Level 4 Hospital, have praised Muwasco’s efforts. The availability of clean, steady water supply is expected to significantly improve hygiene standards and reduce the prevalence of waterborne diseases. Robison Wachira, Principal of Murang’a Technical Training Institute, emphasized the impact of this development, highlighting the benefits for students and the neighboring community, particularly in sectors like hospitality and plumbing where water is essential.

The community’s response to the new water connections has been overwhelmingly positive, with residents like Anne Njeri expressing gratitude for the convenience and health benefits provided by the accessible water supply. This initiative has not only resolved the previous management disputes between Muwasco and other local water bodies but also set a benchmark for water coverage expansion in the area. Despite Maragua Sub County’s historically low water coverage rate, this project marks a significant step toward achieving the county’s overall goal of expanding water access.

KIAMBU, Kenya – In a concerted effort to foster healthier dietary habits among its residents, Kiambu County’s agriculture department, in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), recently launched a campaign aimed at increasing vegetable consumption. The initiative, known as “Vegetable for All,” particularly focuses on encouraging the intake of dark green leafy vegetables and other vitamin-rich foods.

According to Kenya News Agency, Wilfred Mwenda, the campaign involves extensive training and sensitization efforts for the local agricultural team. These efforts are geared towards equipping county farmers with the necessary skills for vegetable cultivation and ensuring adherence to best agricultural practices. Mwenda highlighted the importance of the “Vegetables for All” project, which GAIN is implementing to boost the consumption of safe and fresh vegetables not only in Kiambu but also in Nairobi, Mombasa, Machakos, and Nakuru counties over the next five years. The initiative encompasses a range of activities, including seminars and training sessions focused on food safety standards.

Mwenda also emphasized the broader benefits of increased vegetable consumption, citing its impact on health, economic growth, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation. He underscored the significance of nutrients such as calcium, iron, and magnesium, which are abundant in fruits and vegetables, recommending that adults consume approximately 200 grams of fruit and 250 grams of vegetables daily.

The campaign addresses a critical issue: the link between insufficient vegetable and fruit intake and the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases in the country. This concern was underscored during a two-day training and sensitization program for Sub County Agricultural Officers and Ward Agricultural Officers, focusing on Good Agricultural Practices and Food Safety compliance.

GAIN, a Swiss-based foundation established in 2002 at the United Nations, aims to combat malnutrition globally. The “Vegetables for All” program, launched last year in partnership with Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture, aims to enhance healthy food consumption by improving supply, boosting demand, and creating a more supportive environment for various vegetables at multiple levels, including individual, household, market, producer, and policy levels.

A GAIN report reveals that Kenya’s current vegetable and fruit consumption stands at 100-130 grams per person per day, significantly below the World Health Organization’s recommendation of 400 grams. Furthermore, only 5.2% of adults aged 18-69 years meet the WHO’s recommended intake of five servings (400 grams) of fruits or vegetables per day. According to the Stepwise Survey 2015, fruits are consumed an average of 2.4 days a week, while vegetables are consumed five days a week in Kenya.