Deputy President Kithure Kindiki declared a relentless fight against harmful alcoholic drinks across the Mt. Kenya region and the whole country, saying all respective government agencies have been roped in the war.
He said it is not going to be business as usual as the lives of young people are exposed to health risks because of consuming illicit brews.
Further, he asked politicians to keep off the fight.
“We have directed all security agencies and relevant government agencies, including the Kenya Revenue Authority, the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, the Kenya Bureau of Standards and the security agencies, to work together with citizens so that we can eliminate alcohol that is harmful to the health of our young people,” DP said.
Speaking on Monday when he inspected development projects in Lari and Thika Town constituencies in Kiambu County, the DP said the government will deal vehemently with anyone involved in the prohibited business.
“If you are selling alcohol containing chemicals and substances that are harming our young people, your days are numbered. The Government of Kenya will deal with you,” he warned.
He said he will employ the same energy and focus that saw the defeat of terrorists and bandits threatening the country’s security in the renewed battle against the brews.
“You know that we defeated al-Shabaab and bandits. The threat of al-Shabaab and livestock theft was brought under control. With God’s help, we fought Al-Shabaab and defeated the bandits, and we will not be defeated by alcohol cartels.
To ascertain compliance with relevant restrictions on production and distribution, DP reiterated that manufacturers will be vetted afresh in a bid to get rid of those breaching existing regulations.
“We have said that all alcohol manufacturers in Kenya, regardless of the type of alcohol they produce, will be vetted afresh. Their licenses will also be reviewed one by one to ensure that they comply with the health and quality standards set by the Government of Kenya,” he stated.
On development, Kindiki assured residents of Kiambu County that the administration will not sideline them in the acceleration of projects geared at improving their lives.
While citing ongoing projects topping hundreds of billions of shillings in the devolved unit, Prof.
Kindiki said he is keeping a close eye to ensure faster completion as he pushes for more.
In Lari, the Soko Mjinga Modern Market is nearing completion as well as two others in the constituency. It has been done at 56 million shillings and is among 31 markets under construction in the County.
Under the affordable housing project, the government is constructing 752 units at View Point at a cost of KSh2.2 billion.
The road launched by President Ruto from Nyambari-Kijabe-Mai Mahiu has been completed.
“The projects we are implementing in affordable housing, modern markets, hostels and roads are all about creating jobs for our young people, giving them hope and something productive to do, so that they can earn their own money, build their families and support themselves,” DP noted.
A number of roads are also progressing in Lari. They are Nyambari-Uplands -Githunguri and Kagwe-Mungero and Kagwe to Githunguri Roads. Mau Mau Roads Lot 1A (Matathia-Kimendeand Mai Mahiu-Kagaa) are also underway.
In Thika Town constituency, the DP launched the construction of Kwaheri–Mary Magdalena Road directing the contractor to complete it in under a year.
It is among the 1,656 kilometres of roads being constructed in Kiambu County, at an estimated cost of Sh152 billion.
So far, 368 kilometres of those have been completed at Sh20 billion.
“Kiambu County has received many roads because it is a large county. This Government has ensured that, when we allocate roads across Kenya, Kiambu receives a fair share of kilometres in line with its size and population,” DP stated.
The DP also inspected Gatuanyaga Fresh Produce Market which is set for completion. It is among the five ongoing markets in the constituency, others are Ngoliba, Ngoingwa, Thika Town and Kiganjo markets.
Through the housing project, Thika Depot, (412 units, Sh1 billion), Thika UTI (573 units, Ssh1.5 billion), Kings Orchard (675 units, Sh1.5 billion) and Thika Bustani (875 units, Sh2.1 billion) are under construction.
“We are implementing affordable housing projects, with decent and affordable homes for the people of Thika. This will help address informal settlements and support the transformation of Thika into the modern city it was originally planned to become,” DP noted.
Other major projects in the town are the construction of a 10,000-capacity stadium and ThikaMotor Vehicle Inspection Centre, both at final stages.
Owing to the massive development outlay in the county, Prof. Kindiki asked the residents not to be swayed by empty rhetoric and those keen to perpetrate political violence.
“Every leader who comes here should account for what they have done for the people of Thika, Kiambu and the people of Kenya”
We must put an end to the politics of foolishness that undermines development, as well as politics of conflict that destroys infrastructure and reverses the development we have built,” he urged.
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