Consumption of illicit brews has been blamed for high malnutrition levels in the Lake Turkana region.
Findings from the January 2023 Standardised Monitoring and Assessment of Relief in Transition (SMART) survey and the fourth wave of a longitudinal study, identified a strong link between high malnutrition levels and the widespread use of illicit brews.
To arrest the situation, Turkana County Commissioner, Julius Kavita has launched a multi-sector crackdown targeting the illicit brews from Todonyang to Kerio areas.
“It is unacceptable that the area between Todonyang and Kerio, which prospers from the fish value chain, also reports the highest cases of malnutrition.,” Kavita said.
A ban on the production, sale, and consumption of illicit brews has been imposed by the national and county governments.
Speaking at public meetings in Kalokol and Lowarengak, Commissioner Kavita emphasised that his office had received numerous reports of widespread consumption of illicit brews by fishermen in the region.
“We have banned the use and transportation of illicit brews in this region, and stern action will be taken against anyone who defies this order,” he warned.
Kavita added that the ban is in line with a presidential directive and confirmed that all National Government Administrative Officers in Turkana have been briefed on their responsibilities in enforcing the prohibition.
The Turkana County Police Commandant, Daniel Kinyua, assured the public of the police force’s commitment to enforcing the ban.
He expressed his dismay that, despite their hard work, many fishermen were unable to provide for their families due to alcohol abuse.
The commissioner also lauded the USAID NAWIRI programme for its support in organising public awareness campaigns and promoting behaviour change within the community to reinforce the ban.
Sericho Lokolong of USAID NAWIRI said the organisation will continue working with the county to enhance resource-sharing initiatives and eliminate conflicts over the use of Lake Turkana.
Lokolong also highlighted USAID NAWIRI’s collaboration with the county to ensure that local traders adhere to their license terms, preventing them from operating as both wholesalers and retailers.
By Peter Gitonga
