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State to shut down bars near schools in Isiolo

Isiolo Sub-County Police Commander Edward Kang'ara during an interview with The Eastleigh Voice at his office in Isiolo town. (Photo: Waweru Wairimu)

By Waweru Wairimu | 28 Apr 2024

Residents had earlier complained over alleged laxity by police in enforcement of the law.

Isiolo Sub-County Police Commander Edward Kang'ara has announced that the crackdown on second-generation alcohol and drugs would be sustained to rid the region of illicit substances that have ruined the lives of many youths.

Residents had earlier complained over alleged laxity by police in enforcement of the law, especially for traders operating near schools within Isiolo Central Business District (CBD).

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But Kang'ara maintained that all bars and clubs near learning institutions and residential areas in five wards of Wabera, Bulapesa, Burat, Ngaremara and Oldonyiro would be shut down, their licenses revoked and proprietors arrested for flouting the law.

"We will close down the businesses located less than 300 metres to schools regardless of whether they have genuine licenses or not because their presence could be promoting alcoholism and drug abuse among the learners which is something the government will not tolerate," he said.

Near Wabera Primary School in Isiolo town, for instance, close to 10 wines and spirits shops are near the institution's entrance.

Operating outside stipulated hours

Also on the security team's radar are establishments operating outside the stipulated hours and those flouting their certificates by providing services not provided in their licenses.

"We will sustain the crackdown until the region is safe from second-generation liquor and drugs which continue to threaten the productivity of our youths," he noted.

Isiolo town, which is a transit point to Northern Kenya, continues to bear the brunt of drug proliferation, thanks to the porous Kenya-Ethiopia border that allows traffickers to sneak the narcotics into the country and transport them to markets as far as the capital city.

The police boss implored members of the public to report establishments flouting the rules within their vicinities so that prompt action is taken to rid the residents of the harm.

In most cases, illicit brew is sold near the homes as the majority of the brewers undertake small-scale production.

The national government administration team has in the past significantly reduced illicit brew points especially in the Bulapesa ward through the arrest of the dealers and destruction of the liquor and production machines.