Thika Town MP Alice Nga’ng’a has raised alarm over the increased number of bars and pubs within the constituency and asked the Kiambu County government not to license more bars.
Addressing residents in Thika town on Thursday, the legislator decried high number of bars in the constituency.
She claimed that Thika town alone has over 300 bars and pubs.
Nga’ng’a said that licensing of more bars has turned the constituency into a drinking zone.
“I am appealing to the Kiambu County government to stop licensing more bars so that we can have a sober society,” she said.
The MP added that the presence of many bars and entertainment joints has attracted and lured many youths into drinking.
She said that Thika’s development is at threat since most people have been trapped in alcohol abuse.
The legislator also asked the county government to close bars that are operating near schools and hospitals.
Nga’ng’a said that students are often distracted by the smell of alcohol and loud music played in the facilities.
“The county must come up with a clear way of reducing bar outlets in Thika and its environs,” she said.
The MP vowed to spearhead closure of some of the bar outlets if the government fails.