Kakamega County residents march along the streets to mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and illicit Trafficking with its goal of Global action for Healthy Communities without Drugs. [PHOTOS | John Kabaka]

The government will close all bars within the 300 metre requirement by law near schools, Western PC Samuel Kilele has said. 

Kilele said his office will be out in all four counties of the region namely Bungoma, Kakamega, Busia and Vihiga to close bars found 300 metres near schools. 

“We will be out soon to check all those bars near schools and those which shall be found in a reach of 300 metres will definitely be closed,” affirmed Kilele. 

He also remarked that the activity will affect all players in that sector, saying even those bars with operating licenses will be shut without any fear or favour. 

“When the crackdown begins, we won’t care whether you have a license or not, but whether you are 300 metres near a school,” he said. 

The Pc also said the police will be investigating kiosks and hawkers who do their businesses near schools, saying some engage in drug business with school going pupils. 

“We will also be going round schools to investigate those doing small scale business near the schools since we are learning that most of kiosk holders near school and the hawkers sell drugs to pupils and students,” warned the Pc. 

The commissioner made the remarks in Kakamega during the commemoration of the international day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. 

He said the study conducted in 2009 revealed that males in the region have a prevalence of 0.7% in bhang smoking as compared to a national prevalence of 1.9%. 

He also indicated that 25% of bhang sold in western region is planted in sugarcane plantations while75% comes from the neighboring countries. 

He noted that as at February 2012,his office received 1,114 licensed alcohol selling premises, having rejected 506 applications. 

He urged stakeholders to assist the region to address the issue of alcohol and drug abuse and trafficking. 

“As you are aware, in order for us to attain the country's development priorities as envisioned in the Kenya’s Vision 2030, we must fight drug abuse head on,” said the PC. 

Also present was the NACADA board director Owino Achola (above).