Embu bars exceed schools, blamed for insecurity

EMBU, KENYA: The number of licensed bars in Embu County exceed that of schools by almost four times and is posing security concerns.

Eastern regional commissioner Isaiah Nakoru said a recent census by the county security team found the number of bars at 2,008 while primary and secondary schools total 532.

Nakoru said the presence of many bars contributed to high levels of alcoholism and slowed down the county’s economy as many active people take to drinking alcohol instead of working.

He took issues with the Embu County Alcoholic Drinks Act, which stipulates drinking hours from 2 pm to 11 pm, which is three hours earlier than the national alcohol drinking hours popularly known as Mututho laws.

He said investigators have linked crimes such as robbery, muggings, and murder to the many bars.

“We have engaged the Embu County Government on the issue of licensing far too many bars and longer drinking hours. They have promised us that the Assembly is working to amend that law,” he said.

Nakoru further appealed to residents to report to the authorities about licensed bars that operate outside the official hours.