Murang’a, Kenya — The government has announced plans to revoke licences of all bars operating near schools in Murang’a County, in a sweeping move aimed at safeguarding the education sector from the adverse effects of alcohol abuse and related social vices.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the crackdown follows a comprehensive national audit of all licensed bars. Any establishments found operating in close proximity to schools will have their licences cancelled immediately.
Speaking during the inaugural graduation ceremony at Maragua Technical Training Institute (MTTI), an event also attended by Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, the CS stressed that the government would not compromise the future of learners for the sake of revenue from bar licences.
“As a government, we are determined to resolve this challenge. We cannot compromise the future of our children for revenue from bar licences; thus, our focus now is to ensure that schools remain safe and conducive for learning,” Ogamba said.
The announcement comes amid growing criticism directed at the Murang’a County government, with leaders accusing the devolved administration of licensing bars dangerously close to schools, thereby fueling alcoholism, drug abuse, and indiscipline among students.
Murang’a County Woman Representative Betty Maina decried what she termed a failure by the county to curb the alcohol menace, insisting that decisive measures must be taken to safeguard children’s futures.
“The revenue you collect in licences cannot be compared to lives lost and futures ruined. This fight will only succeed if licensing is strictly reviewed,” she said.
Maragua MP Mary Wamaua echoed similar sentiments, noting that despite existing laws requiring bars to be at least 300 metres away from learning institutions, enforcement has been lax.
“The county government has failed by not adhering even to what the liquor licensing committee put in place a few years ago. The local education sector continues to suffer untold consequences,” Wamaua said.
Murang’a Deputy Governor Stephen Munania defended the county’s position, but pointed to the judiciary as a stumbling block in enforcing regulations.
“Last financial year, we licensed 2,700 bars out of 4,000 applicants. The problem arises when bar owners go to courts and continue operating under court orders, even when they violate distance rules,” Munania explained.
He reiterated the county’s commitment to creating a safe learning environment, pledging stronger collaboration with the national government.
Meanwhile, CS Ogamba assured parents and school administrators that government funding for the third term had already been disbursed.
“The capitation for the third term has been released and will be in school accounts by next week to ensure smooth running of our learning institutions,” he confirmed.
The government’s directive is expected to set a precedent for other counties as authorities move to insulate learners from the negative influences of alcohol and drugs while strengthening the quality of education nationwide.
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