By Peter Ochieng
The National Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NACADA) has announced a heightened crackdown on billboards promoting alcoholic beverages in the vicinity of schools.
NACADA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Anthony Omerikwa in a signed statement on Monday said they are taking significant steps to protect the health and well-being of children.
“In light of growing concerns over the influence of alcohol advertising on young minds, we are announcing a nationwide crackdown on billboards promoting alcoholic beverages in the vicinity of schools,” the CEO said.
The CEO revealed that relevant stakeholders are being rallied, in order to ensure a coordinated approach towards the removal of billboards advertising alcoholic drinks, erected near schools.
“In line with the Alcoholic Drinks Promotion Regulations, NACADA is under the relevant provisions of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, 2010 coordinating with relevant stakeholders in the country to enforce measures that will remove all the billboards near learning institutions.”
Omerikwa added that it will not be business as usual for anyone trying to ‘glorify’ alcohol near schools, so as to attract the attention of school going children, who are keen on chasing their dreams.
“The presence of alcohol advertisements near educational institutions, therefore, undermines these endeavours by normalising the consumption of alcohol and portraying it as an appealing and glamorous choice.”
Last month, Dorcas Rigathi, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s wife said the war on alcoholism and drug abuse cannot succeed without the involvement of women.
She spoke during the launch of Rose Kirika Foundation, an initiative of the Kiambu Deputy Governor Rosemary Kirika, at the Mpesa Academy in Thika.
“Most of the reformed addicts are being supported to start their own businesses while others are being employed in state projects, especially the affordable housing project sites across the country,” she said.
She hailed Kirika for coming up with the initiative which she said goes a long way towards reforming thousands of young people in Kiambu and assisting affected families.
“I really commend the Kiambu Deputy Governor, Rosemary Kirika and her family for this initiative of love and philanthropy for families, which aligns with my vision of dignifying the vulnerable, which includes those affected by alcohol and drug abuse,” she noted.
Kirika on her part said she was pushed into taking action after realising that a large number of those who attend political meetings, are usually intoxicated and in a state of despair.