ALCOHOLICS UNIT SENSITISES SENIOR OFFICERS ON KEY DEPARTMENTAL POLICIES
The Department of Alcoholics Drinks Control Wednesday convened a three day workshop to sensitise Senior County Government Officers on three essential departmental policies namely; Treatment and Rehabilitation, County Workplace, Prevention and Management and Alcohol and Drug Abuse.
Public Service and Administration CECM Madam Rodah Masaviru who opened the workshop officially reminded participants on the need to seriously engage constructively so as to find a lasting solution to the menace.
She regretted that drug abuse has affected the economic productivity in Kakamega County affecting mostly the youth and urged the participants to consider posterity as they review the three documents.
“Alcohol and Drug Abuse is a cross cutting issue that needs to be addressed collectively by involving staff, members of the public and law enforcement agencies,” she advised and instructed the Unit’s Officers to step up public awareness campaigns.
The County Government of Kakamega is in the process of operationalizing a treatment and rehabilitation centre at Rosterman in Lurambi Sub-County.
According to the Director Alcoholics Drinks Control Unit Mr. Benson Ochomo, the policy on Treatment and Rehabilitation is important on operationalizing the Rehab centre hence the urgent need for its approval by the Cabinet.
Mr. Ochomo said that a survey conducted in 2019 by the County Government revealed that more than 65 percent of people who were in active use of drugs in the County were young people under the age of 30 years.
“We have set up workplace committees in all the Departments to ensure all cases are reported and handled early enough,” he said.
Also in attendance were Chairperson County Public Service Board Madam Catherine Omweno and her Vice Chairperson CPA John Subai, Board Members; Dr. Ralph Wangatia and Madam Sylvia Otunga, CEO and Secretary to the Board Madan Catherine Otenyo, Mr. Samwel Wamukoya of the Alcoholics Drinks Control Unit and Madam Pamela Situma.