60% ON ILLICIT BEER TAKING. JANE MUGAMBI 13THAUGUST 2013. Lack of workers in Kirinyaga County has been attributed to the high indulgence and the increased taking of illicit brewing. According to the statistic released by NACADA, 60% the age of 16-35years both girls and boys are consuming either second generation or illicit brew. NACADA also released that 15% are girls between the ages bracket of 20-35 citing that adolescents have also turned to taking second generation beer since it available. “Second generation taking has increased in adolescents, youths who are between the ages of 19- 10% to 15% rising concerns” said NACADA representative in Kirinyaga James Gachoki. Gachoki said the most affected group is between the age of 16-35 yrs both boys and girls attributing the high number to peer pressure. He also said that 60% of the youths are taking bhang,18% family men and men taking, beer,2% are taking other narcotics like cocaine heroine where the 18% has attributed o family break up,divorces . Gachoki has said that vigorous campaign against drug taking abuse so as to sensitize the youths and other drug users knows the danger. “I cannot address the drug issue alone,otther stakeholders need to join NACADA to sensitize,inform those that are abusing drugs are in danger” he added. In the past leaders from all quotas in the county have been blaming the police, administration for not taking “Mututho” laws seriously ensuring that bars are opened at the right time (5pm-11.00pm) and also issuing licenses to operators who do not meet the required standards. Ndia Mp Engineer Stephen Ngari showed his fury when he told the area administrators to be on the lookout for bars that are selling beer against the required time.re Ngari said that it is very worrying seeing youths drunk as early as 6am wondering where the brews are bought if the bars are closed at 11pm and opened at 5pm saying that there other dens that are selling illicit and second generation brews contrary to the time. Kirinyaga County has four licensed brewing industries which have increased the production of cheap and substandard beer. County liquor licensing board has reduced the bars by half so as to minimize the increased intake in beer and also trying to bring sanity in the county. Ends... 0723321326