Cabinet Issues Orders To Ministry Of Health To Combat Addiction To Drugs

President William Ruto's Cabinet has directed the Ministry of Health to come up with a framework in response to the increased cases of addiction to alcohol and drugs in the country.

In a despatch sent to newsrooms on Wednesday evening, March 13, the Health docket under Cabinet Secretary (CS) Susan Nakhumicha was directed to prepare the framework which will pave the way for the setting up of rehabilitation wards across all Level 5 hospitals.

"Noting the increased cases of addiction to alcohol and drugs, the Cabinet directed the Ministry of Health to prepare a framework for rehabilitation wards in all Level 5 hospitals," read the despatch in part.

The ministry was also directed to closely work with county governments and ensure each county has a rehabilitation centre.

During the meeting, the Cabinet endorsed measures the government recently took in the fight against illegal brews and narcotic drugs.

These measures, announced by the Interior Ministry, include a 21-day suspension of all 52 licences and permits issued to manufacturers and distillers of second-generation alcohol, revocation of all bar licences issued by counties against the law and an audit of conflict of interest within the ranks of enforcement agencies.

Other measures announced by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Wednesday, March 6 include nationwide crackdowns on the sale, transportation, distribution and consumption of illicit brews and narcotic drugs.

The Cabinet resolved that any public officials who resist these measures in the fight against illicit brews and drugs will be violating Chapter Six of the Constitution and the laws on conflict of interest.

"These include officials in the National Police Service, National Administration, Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, public health and public prosecution, among others.

"The Cabinet was informed that since the Interior Ministry started implementing these measures, 2,393 non-compliant premises, 359 pharmacies and chemists and 452 agro-vets have been closed," added the despatch.

At the meeting chaired by President Ruto at State House Nairobi, the Cabinet was informed that 5,835 raids on illicit and narcotic premises have been conducted, 289,390 litres of illicit brews and 13,198 litres of counterfeit alcohol have been netted.

Additionally, seven vessels for trafficking drugs, 3,603 rolls of bhang and 44 stones have been seized.