NAIROBI, Kenya – In a significant move to curb illicit alcohol production and ensure public safety, the Kenyan government has formed a specialized multi-agency team dedicated to the stringent vetting of alcohol licenses and operations across the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, the vetting initiative began on Monday, involving key agencies such as the State Department for Internal Security, the Office of the Deputy President, Public Health and Professional Standards, Trade, Labour and Skills Development, and other pertinent authorities. The comprehensive verification process aims to enforce stringent measures, including the installation of quality control laboratories by manufacturers, rigorous scrutiny of raw materials and finished products, and strict product tracking systems from production to consumer.
Dr. Omollo announced that all licenses for so-called second-generation alcohol producers remain suspended during the nationwide vetting. This affects 35 companies whose licenses were either previously suspended, cancelled, or found to be inactive. The primary focus will be on spirit manufacturers, with 29 premises expected to undergo thorough examination.
Additionally, county security teams have been instructed to execute 25 directives issued by the Ministry, targeting the closure of all unlicensed production facilities and outlets within a ten-day timeframe. The enforcement actions extend to bars operating illegally in residential areas or near schools and those breaching operational hours, resulting in the closure of 6,931 establishments and confiscation of alcoholic products.
The initiative also encompasses evaluating the integrity and performance of local officers, with reviews already underway in counties such as Kiambu, Muranga, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Nyandarua, Nakuru, Machakos, and Meru. The Principal Secretary underscored the government’s commitment to addressing alcohol and drug abuse, recognizing them as significant threats to public safety and national security. He cited detrimental impacts including deaths from adulterated alcohol, decreased productivity, health issues, and the fueling of organized crime.
Dr. Omollo appealed to the public for cooperation in reporting illegal establishments and emphasized the continuous prohibition of Shisha, leading to the shutdown of 80 outlets. The crackdown also extends to the pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors, with 804 pharmacies and 761 agrovets closed for non-compliance.
The government has declared the fight against illicit alcohol, drugs, and substance abuse as a major national security concern, introducing 25 key directives to reinforce crackdowns, regulations, and enforcement measures throughout the supply and demand chain.