"Closure of bars alone will not deal with alcoholism in Mt Kenya" - Dr. Stanley Kamau

Executive Director of Ahadi Trust Kenya Dr. Stanley Kamau has said efforts by leaders from the region should be directed in providing resources and empowering young people to have income generating ventures.

Kamau said unemployment and lack of income sources has greatly contributed to excessive alcoholism and drug abuse among youth.

He lauded the recent forum which brought together leaders from the region to discuss alcoholism but said the leaders should work on programmes aimed to support the welfare of thousands of jobless youth.

Kamau spoke when his organization donated posho-mills to a youth group from Kanyenyaini ward in Kangema and a women group from Wangu ward in Kiharu, Murang'a County.

“Leaders have a responsibility in initiating income generating programmes and make the young people busy and this will make them responsible and avoid abuse of sub-standard alcoholic drinks," he said.

The anti-jigger campaigner observed that there are many areas youth can be engaged in productive activities citing opportunities in the agricultural sector.

Kamau challenged the government administrators and security agents to focus on fighting illicit and counterfeit liquor which is said to pose health risks to consumers.

Kanyenyaini MCA Grace Nduta said the group of youth from his ward is composed of reformed alcoholic addicts.

She observed abuse of alcoholism in her ward has been a big problem especially among young men.