NATIONAL, COUNTY GOVERNMENTS ORDERS BAN AGAINST ILLICIT BREW IN LAKEZONE WARD 

National, County Governments ban Illicit brew in Turkana’s Lakezone Region
In a concerted effort to combat rising malnutrition rates in Turkana's Lakezone region, the national and county governments have imposed a ban on the production, sale, and consumption of illicit brews. The move follows alarming findings from the SMART survey and the fourth wave of a longitudinal study, which linked high malnutrition levels in Lake zone villages to the widespread use of illegal alcohol.
Turkana County Commissioner Julius Kavita, who led the multisectoral team enforcing the ban, expressed concern over the paradox of malnutrition in a region that significantly benefits from fish value chains.
"It is unacceptable that the area between Todonyang and Kerio, which thrives on the fish industry, also reports the highest cases of malnutrition. The only way to save the children is by fiercely combating the alcoholism that parents have fallen into," Kavita stated.
During public meetings in Kalokol and Lowarengak, Commissioner Kavita reiterated that his office had received numerous reports of illicit brew being widely consumed at both the household and community level by the fisherfolk community.
"We have banned the use and transportation of illicit brews in this region, and stern action will be taken against those who contravene this order," he warned.
Kavita also noted that the ban aligns with a presidential directive and confirmed that all National Government Administrative Officers in Turkana have been briefed on their role in enforcing the prohibition.
The commissioner commended USAID’s NAWIRI program for co-creating programs for promoting behavior change within the targeted areas within the Lakezone region from Kerio to Todonyang villages.
Turkana County Police Commandant Daniel Kinyua assured the public of the police force's readiness to enforce the ban, expressing his shock that fishermen, despite their labor, failed to provide for their families due to alcohol abuse.
Sericho Lokolong of USAID NAWIRI emphasized NAWIRIs' commitment to working with the county to enhance resource-sharing initiatives between communities sharing the lake and, eliminate conflicts over Lake Turkana's use. He added that NAWIRI is focused on promoting behavior change to ensure that earnings from the fishing industry are spent on nutritious food at the household level.
Lokolong further highlighted NAWIRI’s collaboration with the county Government to ensure that local traders adhere to the terms of their licenses, preventing them from doubling as wholesalers and retailers on food items value chains.