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{
    "id": 1007072,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1007072/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 46,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Nominate, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. (Prof.) Jacqueline Oduol",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "to closure of learning institutions. It has been noted that the underage youth are accessing illicit brew being sold in certain homesteads in rural areas across the country. Increased cases of child abuse and exposure to violence due to the trauma and uncertainties during this period of COVID- 19 pandemic have been reported. With bars in market centres closed down, people are sheltering in village dens in known homesteads, which sell illicit brews and which continue to operate with impunity and total disregard of the law and the COVID-19 guidelines. Hon. Speaker, noting that COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the weight of law enforcement, specifically the administration, security officers and chiefs to focusing on adherence to COVID- 19 precautionary measures, the crackdown has been slowed down and dealers are freely conducting the sale of illicit brews more robustly. The situation is aggravated by the extremely potent and cheap alcohol sachets, for instance, Simba Waragi, being imported into the county through porous borders from neighboring countries. As a result, it has now become the norm for underage children to patronise these dens and to access the illicit brews even in the presence of older women and men causing tremendous harm to boy and girl children alike. These children are becoming addicted to the brews which will have long term effects on their lives. In addition, many girls are being abused and impregnated. Therefore, we are staring at the beginning of a shadow pandemic that is threatening to destroy the future of our country. Hon. Speaker, it is against this background that I seek a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and National Security on the following: 1. What steps is the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government taking to curb the sale of illicit brews in homesteads in rural areas and informal settlements? 2. What measures has the Ministry put in place to ensure that illicit brews are not sold to underage youth? 3. What measures are in place to stop the smuggling of sachets of Simba Waragi into Kenya from other neighbouring countries? I thank you, Hon. Speaker."
}