Busia: Busia County Commissioner Mwachaunga Chaunga has warned bar owners that they risk losing their business registration certificates if they fail to adhere to the law. Speaking during the commemoration of the International Day of Alcohol and Drug Abuse (IDADA) at Busia KMTC, Mwachaunga noted that a section of bar owners was selling alcoholic drinks to underage children while others were operating beyond the accepted hours.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mwachaunga emphasized that bars allowing underage drinking would face license suspension. This also applies to wine and spirit shops, as the crackdown is set to ensure compliance with operational laws. He stressed that drug abuse leads to broken families and increased crime, urging a collective effort from the government, civil societies, and families to combat the issue.
Additionally, Mwachaunga praised the launch of the Alcoholic Anonymous Busia chapter, highlighting the importance of support in recovery. He assured full support for initiatives focused on prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, emphasizing the need for public awareness and stakeholder collaboration to make Busia free from alcohol abuse.
Busia County Coordinator of NACADA, Zeka Wekesa, pointed out the high levels of alcohol consumption and called for collective action. He cited statistics showing significant drug abuse in the county and detailed ongoing efforts towards primary prevention and addiction treatment.
Janerose Ambuchi from the County Department of Health advocated for a rehabilitation center to address widespread drug addiction. Godfrey Omondi from Alcoholic Anonymous described their group's efforts in supporting recovery for addicts in the county.
Chris Wekesa from the National Cancer Institute of Kenya highlighted drugs as a leading cause of cancer, urging stakeholders to join forces in fighting drug abuse to control cancer rates. He noted the carcinogenic properties of tobacco, underscoring the need for a united effort against substance abuse.