Mt Kenya leaders' plan to tame alcohol and substance abuse among the youth

Deputy president Rigathi Gachagua. [DPPS]

Leaders from Central Kenya want all vehicles that are nabbed ferrying illicit brews or drugs forfeited to counties as part of dealing with the crisis that has plagued the region.

Under a raft of proposals, the five counties of Nyeri, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga, Muranga and Kiambu want punitive fines and jail sentences to all those involved in the trade.

This emerged during a consultative meeting led by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, senators, MPs and MCAs from the five counties in Naivasha.

The leaders termed the current laws as too lenient, as those found guilty often pay small fines before going back to the trade.

Addressing the leaders, Gachagua lauded the move by the counties to have one common liquor law.

While promising of the government's support, Gachagua called for stringent laws and punitive fines which would make it impossible for those involved to return to business.

"I'm happy that the five counties have agreed to come up with a common law which will help in this fight that has adversely affected the next generation," said Gachagua.