Interior ministry orders closure of bars near 2,252 schools

Bars and other alcoholic drinks outlets operating near schools to be shut with immediate effect, the Interior Ministry has ordered. This is after the Ministry of Education's established that 2,252 schools were being affected by the sale and consumption of alcohol.The bars are located about 300 metres from the institutions. In a memo to Regional Security Intelligence and County Security Intelligence Committees, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo expressed concern that learners might be lured to consumption of alcohol and are likely to be affected by unruly behaviour, violence and disturbances emanating from premises dealing in liquor. "The result is that the government is not likely to realise its policy of 100 per cent retention and transition of learners," said the PS. Under section 12(c)(1) of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, liquor outlets should be at least 300 metres from any nursery, primary, secondary or other learning institutions for persons under the age of age of 18 years. Many bars, restaurants, local brews, and wines and spirits outlets however, operate in breach of the law. Further, Article 53 (1) (b) of the Constitution states that every child has a right to free education and compulsory basic education. This right is reiterated in section 4 (a) of the Basic Education Act and section 13 of the Children Act. "The proximity of bars and other alcoholic drinks dispensing outlets to educational institutions compromise the realisation of right," said Dr Omollo. Over the years, there has been proliferation of entertainment joints across the country, effectively hampering government efforts to ensure learning in a conducive and safe environment. It is against this background that State Department for Basic Education embarked on mapping of alcoholic outlets within 300 metres with Murang'a, Machakos, Bungoma, Nairobi, Kisii, and Migori being some of the counties with the highest number of bars, local brews, wines and spirits outlets close to schools. Murang'a has 255 entertainment joints close to schools, followed by Machakos (242), Bungoma (150), Nairobi (141), Kisii (98) with Migori having 94 bars near learning institutions. Others are Nyeri 86, Kitui 71, Uasin Gishu 70, Homa Bay 67, Meru 63, Nandi 63, Nyandarua 62, Vihiga 60, Kilifi 59, Makueni 58, Tharaka Nithi 54, Busia 53, Nakuru 41 while Narok has 32 bars near schools. Siaya has 28, Embu 27, Trans Nzoia 26, Elegeyo Marakwet 24, Baringo 23, Nyamira 22, Kericho 14, Taita Taveta 13, Laikipia 11, and Kwale 11. "This is therefore to direct that you liaise with relevant agencies to ensure that bars and other alcoholic dispensing outlets operating in breach of the said provision are closed with immediate effect," ordered Omollo. It remains to be seen whether the directive will be taken seriously since similar orders issued in the past have been ignored. The National Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) has tried in vain to close down non-compliant bars and liquor outlets. About two months ago, Nacada announced a nationwide crackdown on bars located near learning institutions with Chief Executive Officer Anthony Omerikwa warning that the affected outlets will be closed, and billboards promoting alcohol near schools will be removed. "The crackdown will target bars and liquor dispensing establishments located less than 300 meters from educational institutions or areas catering to individuals under 18 years old," said Omerikwa. Nacada said bars near schools compromise the safety of learners, especially during school hours and extracurricular activities. Additionally, alcohol-related incidents, such as violence, accidents, and disturbances, can spill over into school grounds, jeopardising the safety and security of students, staff, and even visitors.

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Interior ministry orders closure of bars near 2,252 schools

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