The State has officially launched a Nationwide Vetting of Alcohol Manufacturers
On March 6, 2024, the Government elevated the fight against illicit alcohol, drug, and substance abuse by declaring it a top national security threat, marking a significant intensification of its efforts against the vices.
According to Dr. Raymond Omollo, The Principal Secretary Ministry of Interior and National Administration the declaration was followed with the introduction of 25 key directives aimed
at initiating sweeping crackdowns, regulations, and enforcement actions across the entire demand and supply chain.
“A specialized multi-agency team that I Chair has since been constituted to spearhead the vetting exercise, and we initiated the verification phase, effective Monday, 18th March, 2024,” stated the Interior PS.
Dr Omollo said the team constituted comprises of members from the State Department for Internal
Security and National Administration, the Office of the Deputy President, the
State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, the State Department for Trade, the State Department for Labour and Skills Development, NACADA, Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of
Standards, Anti Counterfeit Authority, and NEMA.
“Currently, all licenses for second-generation alcohol distillers and manufacturers remain suspended, pending a thorough nationwide vetting process. 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, canceled or found dormant”, He said.
Dr Omollo said the verification exercise mandates that manufacturers 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.
The PS revealed that Enforcement actions are also being taken against bars located in residential areas and near schools as well as establishments operating outside stipulated hours.
Consequently, 6,931 premises have been closed and alcoholic stocks confiscated. We urge the public to actively participate in safeguarding our communities by reporting any establishments within their residential areas to relevant authorities.
He revealed the prohibition on shisha also remains in effect, with violations having led to immediate shutdowns of 80 offending establishments.
“Compliance operations have, similarly, been extended to the pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors, resulting in the closure of 804 chemists/pharmacies and 761 agrovets.County security teams have been empowered to implement the 25 directives including shutting down all unlicensed manufacturers, distilleries, agrovets, and chemists within 10 days”,The PS disclosed.
Furthermore, the PS said the ministry is also evaluating the integrity and performance of officers in several Counties having begun the process in Kiambu, Muranga, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Nayndarua, Nakuru, Machakos and Meru Counties.
An equivalent directive has been given to all law enforcement officers involved in the alcohol trade to immediately cease, as this constitutes a conflict of interest
and is in violation of the Public Officer Ethics Act and our Constitution.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to eradicating the scourge of drugs and illicit alcohol and following the completion of the exercise, a detailed update will be made available to the public,” Dr Omollo said.
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