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State begins nationwide vetting of alcohol manufacturers

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki (centre), Interior PS Raymond Omollo and Police IG Japhet Koome during a meeting in Nairobi to combat illegal businesses dealing in drugs and illicit brew on March 12, 2024. (Photo: MINA)

By Mary Wambui | 19 Mar 2024

Currently, all licenses for second-generation alcohol distillers and manufacturers remain suspended, pending a thorough nationwide vetting process.

The government has kicked off a nationwide vetting of alcohol manufacturers, a multi-agency exercise that will be chaired by Interior Permanent Secretary Raymond Omollo.

The team comprises members from the State Department for Internal Security, Public Health and Professional Standards, the Trade, Labour and Skills Development, NACADA, Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, Anti Counterfeit Authority, and NEMA.

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The team was unveiled on Monday and a verification process of the manufacturers was initiated.

"The focus will be on spirit manufacturers, with over 29 premises expected to undergo examination. Already, 35 companies have been identified as having their licenses either previously suspended, cancelled or found dormant," Dr Omollo said on Tuesday morning.

Currently, all licenses for second-generation alcohol distillers and manufacturers remain suspended, pending a thorough nationwide vetting process.

The PS said the verification exercise mandates manufacturers to install quality control laboratories equipped with specialized testing apparatus and qualified personnel, ensuring rigorous scrutiny of raw materials and finished products.

Additionally, the implementation of strict product tracking systems is required to monitor alcohol distribution from source to consumer, underscoring the Government's commitment to public health and safety.

National security threat

The government began a crackdown targeting the manufacture, sale and distribution of illicit alcohol on March 6 this year by declaring it a top national security threat.

This declaration was followed by the introduction of 25 directives aimed at initiating sweeping crackdowns, regulations, and enforcement actions across the entire demand and supply chain.

As a result, 6,931 premises have been closed and alcoholic stocks confiscated.

Enforcement actions are also being taken against bars located in residential areas and near schools as well as establishments operating outside stipulated hours.

"Alcohol and drug abuse pose a significant threat to the safety of people and security of Kenya in the form of deaths from adulterated alcohol, reduction in productivity, health complications and fueling organised crime networks, contributing to instability and violence within our communities," added Omollo.

The prohibition on shisha also remains in effect, with violations having led to immediate shutdowns of 80 establishments.

"Compliance operations have, similarly, been extended to the pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors, resulting in the closure of 804 chemists/pharmacies and 761 agro vets," he said.

The PS also revealed that an evaluation of the integrity and performance of officers in Kiambu, Muranga, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Nyandarua, Nakuru, Machakos and Meru Counties has begun.