Alcoholism is one of factors hampering population growth in Murang’a County, the County Commissioner (CC) Mr. Mohammed Barre has alluded.
On Monday, Barre noted that a section of men within the age bracket of 20 to 45 years have indulged themselves into alcoholism which has reduced them to irresponsible and unproductive people.
He observed in many local homes, women have been burdened with responsibility of taking care of their families thus opting not to sire more children.
“When we discuss population in Central region, we cannot forget to mention the impact of alcoholism on growth and welfare of families. Some men who are drunkards have neglected their families leaving all chores to their wives,” added Barre.
Abuse of alcohol, he said, has also been attributed to gender based violence and dissolution of marriages.
“Statistics demonstrate we have many cases of gender based violence are attributed to alcoholism and this has also led to breakage of families,” remarked the commissioner.
He spoke during the county consultative forum to collect views for revision of population policy of Sessional Paper Number 3 of 2012.
“Alcoholism has destroyed many lives in this region and there is a need for concerted effort to fight the menace. Our families need to be healthy and with access the basic needs and this will only be attained by reducing intake of alcohol,” explained the CC.
He further observed that trafficking of bhang has increased with target being school going children who are easily introduced to abuse of the drug. The traffickers, he noted, are sourcing bhang from a neighbouring country then being distributed locally.
“The fight against abuse of alcoholism and bhang cannot only be left to security agents. We want locals to joint hands and give us information so as to nab the culprits who are behind trafficking of bhang,” added Barre.
Security officers, he stated, will not relent in fighting the menace and will endeavor to offer protection especially to young children from being indulged to alcoholism and drug abuse.
Speaking during the same occasion, Murang’a County Executive Member for Health Mr. Joseph Mbai stated that the county has reported 386 cases of Covid-19 since the virus was first reported in the country in March this year.
Currently, he said there are 72 active cases and among them 40 are medical officers. Seven people with the virus are admitted in various hospitals.
“So far, the county has lost 11 people among them two health workers due to Covid-19. It’s my appeal to local residents to observe required health protocols to contain the spread of the virus,” said Mbai.
By Bernard Munyao
