Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has ordered security agencies in Baringo County to intensify the war against alcoholism and drug abuse.

Koskei, who is also the Chief of Staff in the Office of the President, expressed fears that indulgence in illicit brew consumption and drug abuse were taking a toll on young people, affecting education standards and socio-economic development of the region.

Speaking in Baringo County on Saturday where he was the chief guest during the launch of Jitume free public wi-fi at Kabarnet matatu terminus and Kabarnet market, he urged residents to avoid engaging in alcoholism and drug abuse as it derails every user from engaging in meaningful development activities.

Koskei who was flanked by state department for ICT and the Digital Economy Principal Secretary Eng John Tanui, Governor Benjamin Cheboi, his Elgeyo Marakwet counterpart Wisely Rotich and a host of elected leaders from Baringo urged those indulging in the vices to reform and instead engage in meaningful economic activities.

“The only thing disturbing us is this alcohol because it is poisoned and I want to direct the County Commissioner, ACCs and Chiefs to come out and fight this menace. The deputy president is on the forefront in fighting the alcohol problem which is threatening to wipe out a generation,” he affirmed.

The Head of Public Service while attending a thanksgiving ceremony at Bartolimo Boys’ high school in Baringo North Sub-County, urged parents to work hard to educate their children noting that the only way out of poverty was through education as it was an equaliser in these competitive times. He urged students to refrain from abuse of alcohol and drugs.

Koskei urged women and youth to take advantage of and make use of the public Wi-Fi saying it eases communication and reduces the cost of doing business.

“This investment by the government should not go to waste and I want to urge every resident including youth and women to take advantage of it as business would go global,” Koskei said, adding that the free Wi-Fi should be utilised in meaningful work online and not for entertainment,” Koskei advised.