It was joy and a sigh of relief to the brewers of the traditional brew known as busaa in Bungoma County after the County government gazetted Alcoholic drinks control Act of 2015 into law on Wednesday.
The Drinks control Act of 2015 under Bungoma County laws stipulates for the licensing and regulation of the production, sale, distribution, consumption and outdoor advertising of alcoholic drinks for connected purposes.
Speaking during the launch of seven County laws at the Bungoma County headquarters, Governor Kenneth Lusaka said that the gazette law allows the consumption of Busaa in a hygienic environment and further warned the residents of misusing the law.
“After gazzetting this into law, I don’t want to find people drinking at unstipulated hours. We want our people to observe high discipline by working first before joining other brewers to avoid any running battles with security agencies,” agitated Lusaka.
He added that the Act seeks to regulate the production and consumption by taking these activities to only licensed areas instead of residential areas.
“The Act provides for the establishment of a more close and robust way of regulating Alcoholic Drinks in our County, thus, there shall be established a directorate to coordinate as well as provide for sub County committees to issue and regulate licenses,” said Lusaka.
Previously those found engaging in brewing, selling or consumption of busaa were arrested and arraigned in court since there were no laws regulating the Alcoholic Drinks but now locals will enjoy their favorite drink provided it is taken within stipulated time and under the stipulated law.
The Governor however cautioned public servants aspiring for political offices against engaging in premature campaigns lest they be fired.
“We shall not compromise service delivery, and so those found engaging in early campaigns will face consequences as stipulated by law.” he said.
Lusaka observed that unveiling of the seven Acts was part of the County governments to establish structures within which to operate and called for close collaboration between the executive and legislature to move the County forward.
The County Assembly Speaker, John Makali said the Legislature passed 14 Acts into law but they were insufficient and urged Members of the County Assembly to put in more effort in order to meet set targets in the county government of Bungoma.
“We are committed towards legislation that will change the lives of our people positively and we are critically looking at the cess Management, Civic Education and consolidation of women and youth funds management bills to steer away from duplication,” said Makali.
The Acts unveiled by Lusaka included: Bungoma County Assembly Service board Act 2015, Early childhood education, County youth polytechnics, County transport Act, County decentralized units, County Flag Emblems and Names Protection Acts.