Kiambu County Intensifies Clampdown on Illegal Alcohol Operations

KIAMBU — Kiambu County has intensified its enforcement actions against illicit alcoholic beverage establishments, leading to the temporary closure of six distilleries pending further inspections. Duncan Darusi, the newly appointed County Commissioner, announced these measures as part of a broader compliance verification exercise initiated by the national government.

According to Kenya News Agency, a national team tasked with vetting the compliance of alcoholic beverage manufacturers is already conducting inspections across the county. The team’s schedule included evaluations in Juja and Thika on Monday, followed by Ruiru on Tuesday, with the operation concluding on Wednesday. This move aligns with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki’s recent directive, which put a hold on licenses for all second-generation alcohol producers, requiring them to reapply within a three-week timeframe.

The County Commissioner, speaking after a County Service Delivery Committee meeting, clarified that manufacturers meeting the regulatory standards would be permitted to resume operations. Furthermore, licensed producers must now provide detailed geo-location data and stock records for each licensed facility to county security teams.

Darusi emphasized that the objective is not to penalize industry participants but to ensure strict adherence to legal standards. He mentioned that the ongoing crackdown extends beyond bars to include pharmacies, and establishments found operating without proper licenses will face closure.

The commissioner underscored the collective effort involving commanders, District County Commissioners (DCCs), Officers Commanding Stations, and other stakeholders in the crackdown. With support from local politicians and elected officials, the campaign is reportedly progressing smoothly, allowing compliant businesses to continue their operations.

However, Darusi issued a strict warning to bars regarding adherence to operating hours as defined by the “mututho law,” stipulating that retail bars should operate from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays and from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends. He affirmed the county’s commitment to enforcing these regulations stringently.

He also addressed the ongoing issue with bar licensing, especially concerning establishments operating near schools and residential areas, which is against the law as reaffirmed by a High Court ruling in 2018.

In response to the directive from Interior Cabinet Secretary Kindiki regarding the relocation of police officers who have overstayed their postings, Darusi confirmed that the transfer process is already underway in Kiambu. This measure aims to prevent conflicts of interest and enhance the effectiveness of the ongoing crackdown, supported by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and the Interior CS, targeting illicit alcohol production and distribution within the county.

The intensified enforcement efforts in Kiambu County come after police arrested three individuals and seized 6,000 liters of ethanol in KiaMumbi village just over a week ago, highlighting the region’s ongoing struggle with illegal alcohol production and sales.