We can’t be a drinking nation! Ruto talks tough on alcoholism
We can't be a drinking nation! Ruto talks tough on alcoholism The Star Kenya
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President Ruto Warns Against Alcoholism Among Youths
President William Ruto has warned against alcoholism among youths in the country.
The President on Tuesday said that a country cannot move forward with the culture of drinking.
He said that instead of drinking, youths should channel their energy into working.
“We are intentional on dealing with those who want to corrupt our young people with drugs and illicit brews. We have put down our foot that it cannot be business as usual. We cannot have a drinking nation, we must have a working nation,” he said.
The President maintained that it cannot be both ways and Kenyans must choose the right path.
“Those who are telling us that we have closed their bars and they are unhappy with us, surely, the loss we have gotten from drugs is immense,” he added.
Government Launches Measures to End Illicit Brews
Ruto’s sentiments come weeks after the government launched measures to end illicit brews.
On March 6, 2024, the government declared the fight against illicit alcohol, drug, and substance abuse a top national security threat.
The declaration was followed by the introduction of 25 key directives aimed at initiating crackdowns, regulations, and enforcement actions across the entire demand and supply chain.
Among the 25 measures was the 21-day suspension of all 52 licenses and permits issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority and the Kenya Bureau of Standards.
“In pursuit of the Administration’s commitment of securing the health and well-being of all Kenyans, Cabinet was apprised of the progress made in the nationwide enforcement measures aimed at addressing access and consumption of killer brews, narcotic drugs, and psychotropic substances,” the dispatch read.
The enforcement measures included a review of the legal framework applicable to the sector.
There was also the imposition of penalties on public or private officials who contribute to the death or material injury of persons through the sale of dangerous alcohol, drugs, or other substances.
Government’s Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Interior CS Kithure Kindiki announced the measures after over 20 people died from the consumption of illicit alcohol in Kirinyaga County.
Kindiki said the use of illicit brews, drugs, and substance abuse majorly among teenagers, the youth, and even the elderly, is now not only a grave social concern but also a threat to the wellbeing and sustainable future of the country.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua reiterated that the government will not relent in the ongoing nationwide fight against illicit liquor manufacturers.
Gachagua urged the multi-agency security team to tighten the war on drugs and substance abuse.
“The government will continue enforcing the stringent measures announced recently by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to ensure that illicit brews get off the market,” the DP said on Saturday during a fundraiser at Abothuguchi Boys High School in Imenti Central Constituency, Meru County.
He said those selling legitimate liquor will not be affected, emphasizing that the target is traders who have been selling poisonous alcohol.
“President, CS Kindiki and I have resolved that we can’t allow the lives of our youths to be destroyed by illicit brews. We have deployed stringent measures to save the generation. Those selling legit alcoholic drinks will not be affected,” Gachagua said.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol | – Number of deaths or injuries caused by the consumption of dangerous alcohol, drugs, or other substances – Number of penalties imposed on public or private officials contributing to substance abuse-related deaths or injuries |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training | – Percentage of youth engaged in productive work instead of drinking – Number of initiatives or programs promoting youth employment |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions | 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere | – Number of deaths or injuries related to illicit brews and substance abuse – Number of enforcement actions taken against illicit alcohol manufacturers |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article discusses the government’s measures to combat illicit alcohol, drug, and substance abuse, which is a major health concern. President Ruto emphasizes the need to address the culture of drinking and channel the energy of youths into working.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
President Ruto highlights the importance of having a working nation instead of a drinking nation. He encourages youths to focus on working and utilizing their energy in productive ways.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
The article mentions the enforcement measures taken by the government to address the access and consumption of dangerous alcohol, drugs, and substances. This is related to promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions by reducing violence and related death rates.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
The government’s measures to combat illicit alcohol, drug, and substance abuse align with this target. The focus is on preventing substance abuse and providing treatment for those affected.
Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training
President Ruto’s emphasis on channeling the energy of youths into working connects to this target. The goal is to reduce the number of youth who are not engaged in productive activities such as employment, education, or training.
Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere
The enforcement measures taken by the government aim to reduce violence and related death rates caused by the consumption of dangerous alcohol, drugs, or substances.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
For Target 3.5:
– Number of deaths or injuries caused by the consumption of dangerous alcohol, drugs, or other substances
– Number of penalties imposed on public or private officials contributing to substance abuse-related deaths or injuries
For Target 8.6:
– Percentage of youth engaged in productive work instead of drinking
– Number of initiatives or programs promoting youth employment
For Target 16.1:
– Number of deaths or injuries related to illicit brews and substance abuse
– Number of enforcement actions taken against illicit alcohol manufacturers
These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets by tracking changes in the number of deaths, injuries, penalties, percentage of youth engaged in work, and the effectiveness of enforcement actions.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol | – Number of deaths or injuries caused by the consumption of dangerous alcohol, drugs, or other substances – Number of penalties imposed on public or private officials contributing to substance abuse-related deaths or injuries |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training | – Percentage of youth engaged in productive work instead of drinking – Number of initiatives or programs promoting youth employment |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions | 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere | – Number of deaths or injuries related to illicit brews and substance abuse – Number of enforcement actions taken against illicit alcohol manufacturers |
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Source: the-star.co.ke
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