The government and private sector have been urged to prioritize rehabilitation over termination for alcohol-addicted employees. This recommendation comes from Dr. Mbabu Muguna, the CEO of the Meru County Alcoholic and Drinks Control Board. Dr. Muguna advocates for viewing addiction as a disease, emphasizing that teachers, civil servants, and other workers should receive treatment and support rather than being dismissed from their jobs.
Addressing the Disease of Alcohol Addiction
Dr. Muguna’s stance is rooted in the belief that alcohol addiction is a disease akin to any other illness that requires medical attention and care. He argues that punishing individuals for their addiction only exacerbates their condition and societal stigmatization. Instead, he suggests that providing rehabilitation and counseling before readmitting them to their workstations would be more beneficial for both the individuals and the community.
“Alcohol addiction is a disease which should be treated. Alcohol addicts need our help and not condemnation. Let them be taken to rehab for treatment instead of being sacked,” stated Dr. Muguna. He highlighted that the latest statistics indicate that 30% of teachers and civil servants in Meru County are addicted to alcohol, underlining the urgency of addressing this issue.
Building a Support System
To support those struggling with addiction, the Meru County government is constructing a rehabilitation center at Kirua market in Buuri Constituency. This facility, which will have a bed capacity of 100 patients, aims to provide care for individuals who cannot afford treatment in private facilities. The center is being built on a 12-acre piece of land, with the first phase dedicated to men and a subsequent phase planned for women.
“This is the first phase being done on a 12-acre piece of land. It’s the first phase which is meant for men while the second phase will be for women. The idea came after we realized the problem of alcohol addiction facing our people,” Dr. Muguna explained.
Public Sensitization and Legal Enforcement
Public sensitization campaigns on alcohol abuse in Meru have shown promising results. These campaigns, conducted through road trips and public meetings, have educated residents about the dangers of alcohol abuse and helped ensure that expired alcohol is no longer consumed.
“We have banned bars from operating in residential estates,” Dr. Muguna noted. He also emphasized the importance of legal enforcement, cautioning traders against setting up bars near learning institutions or selling alcohol to school children. The law prohibits selling alcohol within 300 meters of any basic education institution, and bar owners are required to display signs to prevent underage sales.
Adjusting Legal Drinking Age
In addition to these measures, Dr. Muguna suggested raising the legal drinking age from 18 to 22 years. He expressed concern over the negative impact of illicit brews, which contribute to high school dropout rates and poor living standards.
A Progressive Step Forward
Meru County’s approach to dealing with alcohol addiction represents a progressive step towards treating addiction with the compassion and care it requires. By focusing on rehabilitation rather than termination, and by building support systems and enforcing legal measures, the county aims to help individuals overcome their addiction and lead healthier, more productive lives.
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