Ministry of Interior names 5 regions most impacted by illicit liquor, drugs

Lutta Njomo 19th June, 2024 11:51 AM

The Ministry of Interior has named five regions prevalent with cases of illicit liquor and illegal drugs.

In a statement on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, the Ministry of Interior which Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki heads pointed out that Nairobi, Central, Rift Valley, Nyanza, and Western are the counties exposed in the cases of illicit substances.

The Ministry noted that information placing the five counties among those mostly impacted by cases of illegal substance abuse was obtained following an operation conducted in various parts of the country this year.

In 2024 alone, over 2.8 million litres of illicit and counterfeit alcohol were seized, alongside 6,000 kgs of bhang, the Ministry of Interior.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki. PHOTO/@KithureKindiki/X.

During the operation which was fronted by CS Kindiki and supported by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, 30,000 people were apprehended.

“In 2024, over 2.8 million litres of illicit and counterfeit alcohol were seized, alongside 6,000 kgs of bhang, resulting in nearly 30,000 arrests. The regions most impacted were Nairobi, Central, Rift Valley, Nyanza, and Western,” the Ministry of Interior stated.

Bhang use on the rise

The Ministry of Interior also observed that bhang use has increased in the country alongside alcohol. From their observation, the use of bhang and alcohol is predominant among the youth and school-going children.

With the use of the two drugs peaking every day, the ministry revealed that over 4 million Kenyans need rehabilitation services.

“Alcohol and bhang remain the most abused drugs, predominantly among youth and our learning institutions. With over half of these young users addicted, the risk of depressive disorders is 2.3 times higher.

“Nearly 4 million Kenyans need rehabilitation support,” the Ministry of Interior remarked.

Speaking on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, Beverly Opwora who represented Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo during the launch of the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, highlighted renewed effort to address major challenges including smuggling, counterfeits, unregistered brands, tax leakage, and illicit artisanal alcohol.

“Alcohol and Drug abuse pose a National threat to the safety of people and security of Kenya leading to deaths from adulterated alcohol, reduced productivity, health issues as well as fueling organized crime and violence within our communities. Drunk driving also remains a major cause of fatalities and serious injuries,” she added.

Ms. Beverly Opwora, representing PS Dr. @ray_omollo, officially launched the @NACADAKenya 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, highlighting renewed effort to address major challenges including smuggling, counterfeits, unregistered brands, tax leakage, and illicit artisanal alcohol. pic.twitter.com/Ifya6xoSC2

— Ministry of Interior | Kenya (@InteriorKE) June 19, 2024