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.
Turkana County Commissioner Julius Kavita has launched a multi-sector crackdown targeting the illicit brews from Todonyang to Kerio areas.
This is in a bid to curb the situation.
“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, Kavita said 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. Stern action will be taken against anyone who defies this order,” Kavita said.
He said 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.
Turkana county police commandant Daniel Kinyua assured the public of the police force’s commitment to enforcing the ban.
Kinyua said despite their hard work, many fishermen were unable to provide for their families due to alcohol abuse.
The commissioner lauded the USAID NAWIRI program 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 said USAID NAWIRI will collaborate with the county to ensure local traders adhere to their license terms.
This will prevent them from operating as both wholesalers and retailers.
