County to use sport-based intervention to reduce alcoholism

Kerugoya, Monday, May 22, 2023

K.N.A By Doris Warui

The fight against the use of illicit brews and second-generation alcohol has been ongoing in the Country especially in the Mt Kenya region.

 Leaders have been in the forefront trying to eradicate the use of the illicit brew in their counties and come up with effective measures to stop the usage of drugs and second-generation alcohol.

Speaking during a football tournament organized by the area Member of County Assembly (MCA) of Gathigiriri ward Benson Ngahu, Kirinyaga Deputy Governor Wachira Githanda, said that he will rally Kirinyaga youths to support the war on illicit brews.

He said that the County Government will improve the state of the stadia in the county where the youths will be participating in sports.

The stadiums targeted are Wang’uru stadium in Mwea, Kerugoya Stadium in Kirinyaga Central and Kianyaga stadium in Gichugu.

“We will provide training grounds for high altitude training not only for Kirinyaga youths and Kenya in large but also internationally,” the Deputy Governor said.

Wang’uru Stadium is the most modern stadium in Kirinyaga having hosted the Mashujaa Day in 2021. It will be opened to the public by the end of July after being closed for refurbishment.

County Executive Committee (CEC) Member in charge of sports Denis Musyimi, said that the county government will support youths to nurture their talents as well as make them actively engaged. This will also help develop already existing talents and also discover others.

“We will continue supporting you in sports activities because it’s a great way towards fighting drugs amongst our youths.” he said.

MCA Thiba ward Peter Kiragu, also urged residents of Kirinyaga not allow their region to be converted into a testing ground for alcohol by business owners.

Peter Karinga who represents Tebere ward, also added that they will be closing the local bars that are selling the harmful brew in the county and take action on corrupt county government officials who are involved in the business.

The ongoing football tournaments are one of the ways of implementing the call by the Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to fight alcoholism in Mt Kenya region to help save the future generation in the region.

The National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) led by the County Commissioner Nayioma Tobiko launched a 3-month Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) towards ending alcoholism and drugs abuse which has since witnessed success.

Courtesy K.N.A