Cabinet approves measures taken up in fight against illicit brew

The Cabinet has endorsed a decision by the Ministry of Interior to annul all bar licenses granted by counties unlawfully and to conduct an audit to identify conflicts of interest within law enforcement agencies.

This action comes alongside the suspension, for 21 days, of all 52 licenses and permits issued to manufacturers and distillers of second-generation alcohol. Additionally, a nationwide crackdown on the sale, transportation, distribution, and consumption of illicit brews and narcotic drugs has been initiated.

"The Cabinet resolved that any public officials who resist these measures against the fight against illicit brews and drugs will be violating Chapter Six of the Constitution and the laws on conflict of interest," a Cabinet dispatch read in part.

"These include officials in the National Police Service, National Administration, Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, public health, and public prosecution, among others."

Government officials implicated in the sale of alcohol have been criticized for their lax enforcement of regulations, leading to the proliferation of counterfeit alcoholic beverages, resulting in fatalities in parts of Central Kenya.

Since the crackdown commenced nearly two weeks ago, 2,393 non-compliant premises, 359 pharmacies and chemists, and 452 agro-vets have been shut down. Moreover, 5,835 raids on illicit and narcotic premises have been conducted, resulting in the seizure of 289,390 liters of illicit brews and 13,198 liters of counterfeit alcohol. Additionally, seven vessels involved in drug trafficking, 3,603 rolls, and 44 stones of bhang have been apprehended.

In a bid to aid those affected by drug and alcohol addiction, the Cabinet has directed the Ministry of Health to devise a framework for rehabilitation wards in all Level 5 hospitals. It also instructed collaboration with county governments to establish rehabilitation centers in each county.

At the same time, the ministries of Environment, Agriculture, and Energy have been tasked with forming an inter-ministerial committee to address the proliferation of the Prosophis Julifora tree, commonly known as 'Mathenge'. This tree poses a threat in 22 counties, including those in the North Eastern region, and has led to the depletion of grazing and farming lands, biodiversity, wetlands, and national parks.

"The inter-ministerial team was tasked with exploring opportunities that can be derived from the Mathenge tree. These include commercial opportunities in renewable energy, wood products, and modern ways of using charcoal that does not emit carbon," added the dispatch.

Meanwhile, Kenyans may soon pay cheaper prices for their electricity consumption following a rise in water levels at Masinga Dam, the main storage site of the Seven Forks.