Keroche Breweries among 25 alcohol manufacturers facing license revocation
Kindiki, in a statement released on Friday, said that only three out of the 29 manufacturers and distillers of second-generation alcohol have been permitted to resume production.
Keroche Breweries, linked to Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja, and London Distillers are among 24 alcohol manufacturers facing the imminent threat of losing their licences within the next 21 days if they fail to comply with government regulations.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, in a statement released on Friday, said that only three out of the 29 manufacturers and distillers of second-generation alcohol have been permitted to resume production.
More To Read
- Frequent cannabis busts reveal depth of Kenya’s ongoing war on drugs
- Kebs on the spot as MPs order withdrawal of disputed levy regulations
- Evangelical churches back new state policy to fight alcohol and substance abuse
- Liver cancer deaths set to double by 2050 as alcohol drives Kenya’s crisis
- KEBS denies reports of contaminated sugar, calls opposition claims baseless
- KEPHIS warns proposed seed law could threaten food security, hurt farmers
These approved companies include Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL), Savanna Brands Company Limited, and Patiala Distillers Kenya Limited.
Only two out of the 29 distillers and manufacturers of second-generation alcohol passed the vetting conducted by a multi-agency team, allowing them to continue production. These are Kenya Nut Company Limited and UDV.
For KWAL, the CS said that the verification and approval of the transmitter model for offloading and dispatch flowmeters were granted, while Savanna Brands Company Limited met certification requirements for their production of valid calibration certificates for GC machines, along with payment of the standards levy.
Additionally, the Interior CS noted that the 24 firms risk having their licenses revoked if they do not comply with the listed guidelines within 21 days from Monday, April 8, 2024.
These companies include Rift Valley Brewing Company – Thika, FRM EA Packers Limited, Two Cousins Distillers Limited, and others such as Corobus Africa Products Limited, Lyniber Supplies Limited, Elle Kenya Limited, and Zheng Hong (K) Limited.
Others are Enterprises, Lumat Company Limited, Fastlane Wines and Spirits, Algarve Distillers Limited, Viva Bedida, Metro Breweries, Sabibu Beverages Africa Limited, Lodiani Water Spring, Africa Spirit Limited, and Mamboleo Distillers.
Also on the list are Manchester Distillers Limited, Kedsta Investment Limited, Julijo Investment Limited, Platinum Distillers Limited, London Distillers Kenya Limited, Agro Chemicals and Food Processing Company.
The vetting process involved eight agencies, including the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS), the Anti-Counterfeit Agency (ACA), Public Health Department, National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), and the Department of Weights and Measures.
This statement comes a month after the government announced 25 new measures aimed at eradicating illicit brews, drugs, and substance abuse in the country.
Top Stories Today
- 10-man Kenya battle to a 1-1 draw in CHAN thriller
- Informant misled KWS in search for missing fisherman Brian Odhiambo - Director General
- Treasury defends payments to firm outside original e-citizen deal
- Private sector to finance and service public hospitals' equipment in Ruto’s health reforms
- Nearly 800 humanitarian trucks cleared into Gaza via Kerem Shalom since July 27
- Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani vows legal action against land grabbers
