The move could spark a fresh crackdown on alcoholic joints as the government prepares for the 2025 school calendar
The government through the Ministry of Education has targeted more than 2,000 alcoholic business outlets operating near schools with the aim of closing them down immediately.
Through a statement by Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura on Monday, November 29, the Ministry lamented that the existence of the outlets has hampered the government’s efforts to promote a conducive and safe environment for learners.
Mwaura cited Section 12(1)(c) of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, which provides that alcoholic drinks outlets should be “at least 300 metres away from any nursery, primary, secondary or other learning institutions for persons under 18 years of age.”
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura during a past address. /FILE
“Further, Article 53(1)(b) of the Constitution states that every child has a right to free and compulsory basic education. ‘This right is reinforced by section 4(a) of the Basic Education Act and section 13 of the Children’s Act.
“The proximity of bars and other alcoholic drinks dispensing outlets to educational institutions compromises the realization of this right, as learners may be lured into the consumption of these alcoholic drinks, eventually impacting their learning and derailing the government’s effort to realize its policy of 100% retention and transition of learners,” Mwaura lamented.
He therefore announced that the government would coordinate and collaborate with other government agencies while embarking on a campaign to protect the health of Kenyan children and youth.
“Accordingly, the State Department for Basic Education has mapped out 2,257 alcoholic drinks dispensing outlets that are within 300 metres of Basic Learning Institutions Countrywide with the aim of closing them down with immediate effect for breach of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act,” he added.
The move could spark a fresh crackdown on alcoholic joints as the government prepares for the 2025 school calendar, with Term One set to commence on January 6, 2025.
Mwaura did not however reveal when the closure order would take effect on the outlets, with schools closed until the new year and with the festive season around the corner, which represents a golden opportunity for the businesses to make significant profits.
At the end of May 2024, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) announced a nationwide crackdown on bars and alcohol dispensing locations near educational facilities, including schools.
On Monday, May 27, NACADA revealed that the crackdown was aimed at enforcing regulations regarding the placement of bars and other alcohol dispensing outlets in proximity to educational institutions or areas catering to individuals below the age of 18.
This was the authority’s attempt at eliminating alcohol and drug abuse among educational institutions and doing away with any item that may influence pupils and students to undertake the vice.
President William Ruto speaking at the official start of the KCPE and KPSEA National Examinations at the Kikuyu Township Primary School, Kiambu County on October 30, 2023. /PCS
