Learning centres: Is the war against liquor spots lost?

Learners are still exposed to alcohol and drug abuse despite government efforts to keep learning institutions safe.

It is emerging that the fight to protect schools and learners from alcohol and drug abuse could be far from over, as the push to eliminate bars, wine and spirits shops, and entertainment joints near institutions of learning is facing challenges.

A recent audit by the Ministry of Education, during a mapping exercise, established that around 2,252 schools were being affected by the sale and consumption of alcohol.

="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001510450/alarm-as-bars-thrive-near-schools-raising-drugs-learning-concerns#google_vignette">Moreover, the drinking In a memo to all Regional Security Intelligence and County Security Intelligence Committees, Raymond Omollo expressed concerns that these learners might be lured into consuming alcohol.

He also cautioned that the learners are likely to be affected by unruly behaviour, violence, and disturbances emanating from the nearby 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,” the PS said in the memo.

A spot check by The Standard has revealed that despite the government’s directive prohibiting bars and alcohol outlets within 300 metres of schools, enforcement remains weak, leaving students vulnerable to alcohol and drug abuse.

Dr Anthony Omerikwa, the chief executive of the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada), says the 300-metre rule, designed to create a safe environment for learners, was meant to shield students from easy access to alcohol.

It is based on this that the State Department for Basic Education mapped alcoholic outlets within 300 metres, identifying Murang’a, Machakos, Bungoma, Nairobi, Kisii, and Migori as counties with the highest numbers of bars, local brew joints, and wine and spirits outlets near schools. In his statement, Omollo ordered: “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.”

="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/health/business/article/2001506879/traders-claim-closure-of-liquor-stores-bars-near-schools-punitive">However, despite< the law coming into force nearly 15 years ago, Omerikwa admits that the push to remove bars and alcohol joints near schools has not been successful.

This, even after Nacada announced a nationwide crackdown on bars located near learning institutions and warned that affected outlets should be closed, and billboards promoting alcohol removed.

“Nacada is enforcing the rule in collaboration with local administration, but I must admit we are yet to get there,” Omerikwa told The Standard in an interview.

He also indicated that advancements in technology have complicated the war on drugs and alcohol use among school children, as they now seek alcohol from online vendors.

But that’s not all. The anti-drug enforcement agency is also concerned about the emergence of marijuana as a new substance that is becoming one of the most sought-after drugs among students.

Also posing a threat among schoolchildren is the rise in the use of prescription drugs and synthetic drugs, presenting a new danger to the safety of learners in schools.

And this, Nacada warns, poses a major threat, as these substances are not easy to detect.

="https://www.tnx.africa/county/article/2001510377/why-schools-students-face-threat-as-bars-continue-to-operate-near-schools#google_vignette">National Parents Association Obuhatsa has called for stricter enforcement from security agencies, arguing that current measures are insufficient.

“There’s no point in having laws if they are not implemented. Our children are at risk,” Obuhatsa said.