Kisii University is set to register an association for ex-brewers to facilitate them identify alternative income generating activities to economically empower themselves after quitting brewing of chang'aa and other illicit liquor trade.
The University's Alcohol and Drug Abuse(ADA)Control Unit Co-ordinator, Ernest Nyandwaro has disclosed that the registration of the ex-brewers association was part of the University's efforts to ensure the brewers are not only rehabilitated from illicit brew trade, but are also facilitated through a capacity-building process to enable them identify lawful income generating activities that will not only transform their lives economically but also their immediate communities.
Speaking to the press in Kisii town on Friday Nyandwaro disclosed that the University's ADA was reaching out to all those who have quit chang'aa and other illicit brews trade to engage them in economically viable income generating activities, to ensure they actively participate in business and investment ventures which will not rub them a wrong way with the law enforcement agencies.
"As a University we are set through our ADA unit to ensure ex-brewers do not go back to the trade, instead we want to guide them through a process that will see them identify their areas of interest where they can be funded to do business and other income generating activities under an organization that brings all of them together, “disclosed Nyandwaro.
Nyandwaro commended NACADA Chairman, John Muthuto's recent visit to the University which he attributed to major improvements in the University's war against alcohol and drug abuse both within and outside the university.
He added that after Muthuto's visit several members of the public who listened to the NACADA Chairman's counsel on the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse have since made up their minds and are seeking voluntary counselling services at the University's ADA unit before being referred to RAM rehabilitation centre where he(Nyandwaro)is a consultant.
Nyandwaro disclosed that on a typical working day the University's ADA Unit receives at least five people affected by alcohol and drug abuse seeking counselling services.