Uasin Gishu county has reduced the number of licensed bars to less than 900 in the fight against alcoholism.
Koiya arap Maiyo, the county director of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Board, said licensed bars were more than 1,400 last year but this year they licensed only 900.
"We are taking measures to shut down all bars located in wrong places, such as near schools and hospitals,” he said.
Maiyo said they have intensified the war on illicit brews that have ruined the lives of many residents.
He said in the past two years, 1,550 alcohol addicts have been rehabilitated at the county rehab centre in Moiben.
Maiyo said Governor Jonathan Bii is keen to rid the county of alcoholism.
“The governor has directed us to firmly deal with the problem of alcoholism in Uasin Gishu so that those affected can be assisted to engage in gainful business,” he said.
The director said the Moiben Rehabilitation Centre had helped to transform the lives of many people, some of whom have resumed their normal lives.
“We have one graduate from our Moiben rehab who has secured a job in Qatar and a student who had abandoned university four years ago but has resumed learning,” Maiyo said.
He said they have recorded many success stories from the Moiben facility and the county has allocated Sh11 million to put up another rehabilitation centre.
Maiyo said the number of people who require rehabilitation is high and they are supporting many groups of rehabilitated people to start businesses.
The cost of rehabilitating one person at the Moiben centre is more than Sh150,000 and the county has been footing all bills to help those affected by the problem of alcoholism.
“Rehabilitation is a costly programme that takes more than six months and is carried out by experts,” Maiyo said.
The county has also set aside funds to help groups of women who previously engaged in manufacture and sale of illicit brew.
Moiben Rehabilitation Centre has held the second recovery graduation ceremony for 12 individuals, who completed a three-month rehabilitation programme.
The rehabilitation initiative was supported by Governor Bii through his ‘Nguzo Kumi’ development agenda.
Health services executive Abraham Serem said beneficiaries have not only received counselling, but have also been equipped with essential skills in entrepreneurship as part of a holistic approach to their recovery.
Serem said the Nguzo Kumi initiative aims to uplift communities and individuals across the county.
"I want to emphasise that Moiben has been selected as a flagship rehabilitation centre within the county, with plans underway in collaboration with the county assembly to establish similar centres in each subcounty," he said.
Serem said the Moiben Rehabilitation Centre is a fully registered facility that welcomes individuals from all corners of Uasin Gishu.
“The success of this rehabilitation centre stands is a testament to the county's commitment to addressing alcohol addiction and providing a haven for those seeking recovery,” he said.
County assembly health committee chairperson Rebecca Magut said the graduation of the 12 serves as a beacon of hope for others battling alcohol addiction.
"As the county assembly, we will support the budget for this initiative because it helps our young generation benefit from such programmes," she said.
Present were chief officers Joyce Sang (clinical services), Paul Wangwe (promotive and preventive health), MCAs Isaac Kirwa (Kapsoya) and Hillary Kipchumba (Moiben).