Elgeyo Marakwet County Governor Wisley Rotich has suspended the licensing of all bars in the region.
Rotich announced that bars across the County will undergo a fresh vetting process, signaling a significant shift in alcohol regulation.
The Governor emphasized the urgency of addressing the County’s alcohol problem, stating, ‘As a County, we are headed on the wrong path and we need to address it urgently before we start burying people as is happening in other parts of the Country.’
He further highlighted the prevalence of second-generation alcohol sales in many bars, stressing the need for immediate intervention to save lives.
The Governor’s announcement coincided with the replacement of the County Alcoholic Drinks Regulations Committees, with a new team inaugurated to oversee the vetting process. Rotich also directed residents to participate in public forums to provide recommendations before new licenses are issued.
‘I want to assure you that we shall enforce your recommendations, especially those concer
ning closure of alcoholic outlets that sell illicit alcohol,’ he vowed.
Keiyo North Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Julius Maiyo echoed the gravity of the alcohol crisis, labeling alcohol addiction as the County’s ‘number one enemy.’
He singled out notorious brands such as Flying Horse, Diamond Ice, African Spear, and Konyagi, which have become prevalent among locals.
Maiyo highlighted a distressing incident involving a bar where patrons were found consuming alcohol while engaging in acts of sodomy. He asserted that swift action had been taken, with the closure of the bar and revocation of its license.
He emphasized the importance of ethical conduct among government officers involved in enforcing alcohol regulations, cautioning against corruption and collusion with bar owners.
The DCC cautioned against prioritizing revenue over-regulation, stressing the need for a holistic approach to tackle the menace effectively.
Maiyo urged against compromises in the fight against alcohol abuse, warning that any for
m of collusion would undermine the progress made.
The duo issued stern warnings to County staff undermining efforts to combat illicit alcohol, emphasizing the consequences for such misconduct.
They emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity and impartiality in the fight against alcohol abuse.
Source: Kenya News Agency
Health Minister Ali Mrabet took part in the first international conference on universal health coverage and family health held in Tehran (Iran) on March 5 and 6, with the participation of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and several health ministers and senior officials from 18 countries.
The aim of this international conference is to discuss a range of issues, including health systems in the context of universal health coverage and mechanisms to protect the health of citizens, as well as mother and child health programmes, digitalisation in the health sector and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his speech, Mrabet recalled that the Palestinian people have been deprived of their right to health as a result of the aggressions perpetrated by the Zionist entity against civilians and health professionals and the bombing of hospitals in the Gaza Strip. He described the aggressions as a flagrant violation of international treaties and conventions and the right to health, which is closely linked to human
rights, as advocated by the World Health Organisation.
The Health Minister on Tuesday held talks with his Iranian counterpart, Bahram Einollahi, Minister of Health and Medical Education.
The talks focused on ways to strengthen health cooperation between the two countries in a number of areas, such as cardiovascular surgery, cancer treatment and the pharmaceutical industry, in line with the guidelines set out by the Presidents of the two countries.
President Kais Saied and his Iranian counterpart expressed their desire to develop cooperation between the two countries during a meeting held in Algiers on March 2.
The Minister of Health stressed the importance of further strengthening cooperation and exchanges of experience between the two countries, particularly in the field of vaccine and pharmaceutical production and consolidating links between the Pasteur Institute in Tunis and the Pasteur Institute in Iran.
Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse