Learners are still exposed to alcohol and drug abuse despite government efforts to keep the learning institutions safe.
It is emerging that the fight to protect schools and learners from alcohol and drug abuse could be far from over as the push to eliminate bars, alcohol vendors, and entertainment joints near institutions of learning is facing serious challenges.
A recent audit by the Ministry of Education during a mapping exercise established that some 2,252 schools were being affected by the sale and consumption of alcohol.
The drinking joints are located about 300 metres from the basic learning institutions.
In a memo to all Regional Security Intelligence and County Security Intelligence Committees, Dr Raymond Omollo expressed concerns that these learners might be lured into the consumption of alcoholic drinks.
He also cautioned that the learners are likely to be affected by unruly behaviour, violence and disturbances emanating from the nearby premises dealing in liquor.
“The result is that the government is not likely to realise its policy of 100 per cent retention and transition of learners,” PS said in the memo.
Under section 12(c)(1) of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, liquor outlets should be at least 300 metres from any nursery, primary, secondary or other learning institutions for persons under the age of 18 years.
A spot check by The Sunday Standard has revealed this directive by the government prohibiting bars and alcohol outlets within 300 meters of schools, enforcement remains weak, leaving students vulnerable to alcohol and drug abuse.
Dr Anthony Omerikwa the Chief Executive of the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) says the 300-meter rule, designed to create a safe environment for learners, was meant to shield students from easy access to alcohol.
It is based on this that the State Department for Basic Education mapped alcoholic outlets within 300 metres and Murang’a, Machakos, Bungoma, Nairobi, Kisii, and Migori emerged as the counties with the highest numbers of bars, local brews, wines and spirits outlets close to schools.
The audit revealed that Murang’a has 255 entertainment joints close to schools while Machakos has 242. Bungoma has 150, Nairobi with 141 and Kisii with 98. Migori has 94 bars near learning institutions.
Others are Nyeri 86, Kitui 71, Uasin Gishu 70, Homa Bay 67, Meru 63, Nandi 63, Nyandarua 62, Vihiga 60, Kilifi 59, Makueni 58, Tharaka Nithi 54, Busia 53, Nakuru 41 while Narok has 32 bars near schools.
Siaya has 28, Embu 27, Trans Nzoia 26, Elegeyo Marakwet 24, Baringo 23, Nyamira 22, Kericho 14, Taita Taveta 13, Laikipia 11, and Kwale 11.
In his statement, PS Omollo ordered: “This is therefore to direct that you liaise with relevant agencies to ensure that bars and other alcoholic dispensing outlets operating in breach of the said provision are closed with immediate effect.”
However, despite the law coming into force close to a decade and a half ago, Omerikwa admits that the push to get rid of bars and alcohol joints from schools has not been successful.
This was even after Nacada announced a nationwide crackdown on bars located near learning institutions and warned that the affected outlets be closed, and billboards promoting alcohol removed.
The law however requires schools to be built at least 300 metres from academic institutions according to the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act of 2010.
“This rule is designed to create a buffer zone that ensures students are not lured into alcohol consumption due to proximity or peer pressure. NACADA is actively enforcing this in collaboration with local administration but I must admit we are yet to get there,” Omerikwa told the Standard in an interview.
He also indicated that advancement in technology has complicated the war on drugs and alcohol use among school-going children as they sought alcohol from online alcohol vendors.
But that’s not all as the anti-drug enforcement agency also raises concerns of the emergence of Marijuana as the new substance that is becoming one of the most sought-after drugs among students.
Also posing a threat among school-going children is a rise in the use of prescription drugs and synthetic drugs posing a new threat to the safety of learners in schools.
The government now faces growing pressure to address the gaps in enforcement and ensure schools are safe zones for learning, free from the influence of alcohol.
National Parents Association chairman, Silas Obuhatsa on Friday questioned the accountability by enforcement agencies and whether the government is prioritizing the well-being of learners.
Obuhatsa has called for stricter enforcement from security agencies, arguing that current measures are insufficient.
“There’s no point in having laws if they are not implemented. Our children are at risk,” Obuhatsa said.
A spot check by the Standard in Nairobi, Mombasa, and other urban areas, reveals that bars openly flout the law, some operating right next to school gates.
“It’s frustrating. We are trying to instil discipline in our students, but they are constantly exposed to these vices,” said a high school principal in Nairobi.
NACADA has called on parents and schools to step up and take up the war on drugs.
“Schools should implement strict policies to prevent drug use, including regular counselling sessions and collaborations wit