Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has attributed the growing abuse of illicit alcohol among young people to poor parenting. He emphasized that families must take greater responsibility for guiding children before seeking government intervention. Murkomen made these remarks during an interdenominational church service at AIC Visha Oshwal Comprehensive School grounds in Kabarnet, Baringo county.
Murkomen stated that some parents have failed to provide adequate guidance and supervision, leaving their children vulnerable to alcohol addiction and other forms of substance abuse. He urged parents to spend more time with their children and counsel them on responsible behavior. According to Murkomen, the problem cannot be addressed by the police and other government agencies alone.
The CS noted that some parents have resorted to asking the government to intervene after their children became addicted to alcohol, yet the first line of intervention should be within the family. He emphasized that guidance, counseling, and parental presence are essential in dealing with alcohol addiction and wayward behavior.
Murkomen's remarks come amid an intensified government crackdown on illicit alcohol manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors. The government has said security agencies are targeting the wider networks behind the illegal trade, including manufacturers and transporters. Unsafe and adulterated alcohol can cause serious health complications, including poisoning, blindness, and death.
Kenya's State of National Security report has linked illicit alcohol to serious public health and security risks, noting that some unscrupulous brewers use toxic substances in the production of illicit brews. Research commissioned by the Alcoholic Beverages Association of Kenya and conducted by Euromonitor International found that Kenyan adults consumed an average of 3.6 liters of pure illicit alcohol in 2024, compared with 2.5 liters of legal alcohol.
The affordability and accessibility of illicit alcohol have been identified as key factors driving its consumption, while the unregulated nature of the trade increases the risk of exposure to unsafe products. Murkomen has previously warned manufacturers and suppliers of illicit alcohol that security agencies are intensifying operations against the illegal trade.
Murkomen challenged parents and other members of the community to complement government enforcement efforts by promoting responsible and moral behavior at home. He emphasized that attending church should be accompanied by good conduct in the wider community. The Sunday sermon was delivered by Bishop Emeritus Jackson Kosgei and was based on Genesis 12:7.
Key points
- Parents must take greater responsibility for guiding children to address growing abuse of illicit alcohol among young people.
- The government has intensified operations against the illegal trade in illicit alcohol.
- Illicit alcohol poses serious public health and security risks in Kenya.
