Laikipia Declares War On Illicit Brews

This bill is aimed at governing the sale and distribution of alcoholic drinks in the county.

Those found selling illegal liquor will be fined a maximum of Ksh. 2 million or serve a jail term of five years.

Those found to be selling adulterated drinks will be fined a fee not exceeding Kshs 1,000,000.

The law has also banned the sale of alcohol in sachets and plastic bottles and requires that the content be packed in bottles of 250 ml or more.

Traders found selling alcohol to children under the age of 18 will be fined Ksh 150,000 or serve a jail term of six months.

The legislation has put strict measures for brewers, traders and consumers and now await assent by the County Governor Joshua Irungu.

According to county speaker Patrick Mariru, the strict measures are meant to curb alcohol abuse that has affected most of the youths in the area.

Mariru lauded MCAs for passing the bill adding that this would bring an end to this menace has also caused loss of lives in the area.

Mariru pointed out that the law also incorporates that a single rehabilitation center also be put up in each of the 25 wards in the county.

The speaker added that a county Alcohol Drinks Control Directorate will be established to manage the sector and also issue licenses to traders.

By Anne Muchiri