In Kenya, drinking among the underage (those below 18 years) has become a topical issue, thanks, unfortunately, to a number of reported incidents involving underage drinking.
Many teenagers are curious to experiment in alcohol consumption simply because retailers are helping this negative cause by not following duly laid-out requirements.
On their part, some parents, relatives and significant others are also worsening the dire situation, giving underage consumers a reason to easily access alcohol.
Nyamira County Commissioner Amos Mariba has insisted that bars and night clubs admitting underage children will be closed down.
“Anyone under the age of 18 should not be allowed to enter any bar or night club. Bar attendants must be on high alert not to allow underage children failure to which any bar or night club found condoning underage children will be closed down and those involved arrested to face prosecution,” he noted.
The County Commissioner further warned adults luring underage girls to lodgings saying no man will be spared if found engaging in sex with young girls.
He also challenged parents not to allow their children more especially girls to get out of their houses at night.
“Parents need to also play their roles responsibly. Girls sneaking from their houses at night to attend night clubs and drink alcohol in bars will be arrested.
Everyone must be responsible to ensure children’s future is well taken care of,”
Mariba said.