09/09/2026
Public displays of leaders destroying illicit alcohol may make good headlines, but they do not solve the crisis. The real solution lies in courageous leadership that addresses its root causes.
We must ask difficult questions. Who manufactures these illicit drinks? Who licenses them? How do they reach bars and villages without the knowledge of law enforcement and regulators? How many licences have been revoked, and who is financing and protecting these criminal networks?
The immediate priority is for the National and County Governments to declare the illicit alcohol crisis a community disaster and mount a coordinated response. Every institution must be accountable—from elected leaders, the County Commissioner, police, chiefs, licensing authorities, and county enforcement officers to village elders. The Church, civil society, and local communities must also play their part.
Beyond enforcement, we must tackle the causes. Unemployment, poverty, and hopelessness drive many young people to cheap, dangerous alcohol.
The lasting solution is to create jobs and restore hope through investment, manufacturing, agriculture, and value addition. We should revive projects like the Muguga Agri-City, strengthen key value chains such as coffee, tea, milk, and avocados, and support MSMEs through affordable financing, market access, and initiatives like the Jiinue Fund.
We must also treat alcohol addiction as a public health challenge by expanding effective rehabilitation and counselling services.
The solutions are known. What is missing is decisive leadership and sustained action. Kiambu needs leaders who will move beyond symbolism, dismantle criminal networks, create opportunities for our youth, and restore hope.
That is the real elephant in the room.
