One of Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu's campaign agenda was to win the war against illicit liquor in his county.
His resolve towards winning the war may be geared for victory after the county boss took the war a notch higher by licensing 500 bars out of the current 3062 bars and pubs.
Speaking during a State of the County Address in the county assembly on Thursday, Waititu reiterated his dedication in fighting alcoholism and drug abuse.
[caption caption="Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu"]
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The county chief described alcohol and drug abuse as a menace that was almost getting out of hand hence the need for drastic measures to curb it.
In order to realize the dream and tame the rampant alcoholism, Waititu indicated that his administration would slash the number of bars a move that has in the past attracted the wrath of the Kiambu County Bar Owners Association.
Noting that he was not oblivious of this fact, Waititu stated: "I know we will face some resistance but we are equal to the task. Residents want to see fewer bars than we have today.
"As leaders, we cannot continue to sit and watch as people perish due to alcoholism. We will not relent. We will fight the beer sellers on earth, in the air, and in the sea."
On average, the plan will see each of Kiambu’s 60 Wards have about eight bars - a drastic reduction that is set to benefit the residents.
Waititu further revealed that the county is spending Ksh2 million daily to rehabilitate 4,500 recovering addicts, a program set to run for the next six months.
[caption caption="Governor Waititu during the State of the County Address"]
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In March, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i had expressed his shock on realizing that there were 3062 bars and clubs in the county compared to 777 and 369 primary and secondary schools respectively terming it as unacceptable.
