Home / Coast

Mombasa County to use liquor license revenue to fund rehab centres

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir at the annual County Eid Baraza at Treasury Square on April 13, 2024. (Photo: Governor's Press)

By Farhiya Hussein | 14 Apr 2024

Kisauni MP Rashid Bedzimba urged parents to monitor their children closely, emphasising the importance of family involvement in combating societal issues.

The Mombasa County government has announced plans to allocate funds from Liquor License sales to rehabilitate residents grappling with drug abuse challenges.

Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, addressing attendees at Eid Baraza on Saturday, emphasised the county's commitment to addressing substance abuse issues.

Keep reading

"We are ending the era of using revenue from alcohol sales for anything but rehabilitating our youth," stated Abdulswamad, announcing the free rehabilitation for identified individuals.

Additionally, he outlined initiatives to support sports teams financially, aiming to steer young people away from the vice.

Kisauni MP Rashid Bedzimba urged parents to monitor their children closely, emphasising the importance of family involvement in combating societal issues.

“I urge parents to be on the lookout for the activities of their children. Your child comes home at 1 am and as a parent, you are not bothered about where he is coming from. You instead hide and protect them when police are after them,” he said.

Unity

He stressed the need for community unity to foster a peaceful environment.

My Government is a government of second chances. We will rehabilitate our youth struggling with drug abuse from the proceeds of Liquor License revenue.

The youth are our future and we will not give up on them. pic.twitter.com/y1L0lQzHZO
— Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir (@A_S_Nassir) April 13, 2024

Likoni MP Mishi Mboko echoed the call for action, highlighting the significance of education and rehabilitation in curbing youth involvement in criminal activities.

She commended local law enforcement efforts in Likoni and advocated for a local rehabilitation centre to alleviate the burden on residents seeking help.

“I want to thank and appreciate the DCIO and OCPD in Likoni. They have done a good job in tackling drug menace in that area. However, Governor, what we need is a rehabilitation centre to be set up because the residents there are struggling to go all the way to Kombani for rehab,” she said.

Mombasa Speaker Aharub Khatri proposed refocusing Eid Baraza to address community concerns and foster collaboration between leaders and religious figures.

He expressed concern over the event's transformation into a political platform.

MP Rashid also stressed the importance of preserving cultural traditions like the Eid Baraza while addressing contemporary challenges.

He urged Islamic leaders to address the gap between religious teachings and practical understanding among youth.