NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 6 – The government has announced the suspension of licenses for all second-generation alcohol and alcoholic beverage distillers and manufacturers in a fresh move aimed at tackling the proliferation of illicit brews and substance abuse.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said Wednesday that all existing licenses will undergo a thorough vetting process within 21 days.
Only those premises that receive fresh approval will be permitted to resume operations.
“Pursuant to Section 4(2)k of Preservation of Public Security Act, all licenses and certification permits for second generation alcohol and alcoholic beverage distillers and manufacturers, issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority and the Kenya Bureau of Standards, stand suspended with immediate effect,” Kindiki said.
To deliberate on the implications of this directive, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration will convene a meeting with currently licensed manufacturers and distillers on March 12.
Kindiki emphasized that new license applications will require the installation of Quality Control (QC) laboratories equipped with Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detector (FID).
These facilities must be staffed by competent laboratory analysts tasked with testing incoming raw materials and finished products before market release.
“The laboratories should register with a provider of inter laboratory comparison and submit their QC results to the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) on monthly basis,” he added.
Highlighting the grave consequences of illicit brews and substance abuse, particularly among youth, Kindiki stressed its detrimental impact on social welfare and national development.
He cited a recent tragedy in Kirinyaga County where at least 20 lives were lost due to the consumption of illicit alcohol.
Moreover, Kindiki pointed out the economic ramifications, including hindrances to growth, livelihood disruptions, increased crime rates, and public health risks such as the spread of diseases like HIV/AIDS.
In response to these challenges, Kindiki revealed ongoing efforts to address regulatory gaps and enforce stricter measures.
Notably, he highlighted the activation of key regulators in the pharmaceutical and veterinary sectors to curb the illicit use of regulated prescription drugs, particularly in regions like Mombasa and North Eastern Kenya.
Progress is also underway in developing comprehensive Alcoholic Drinks Control laws, with 11 counties actively engaged in this initiative.
Nyandarua County has set the precedent by enacting enhanced licensing and enforcement frameworks.
Kindiki reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating the scourge of alcohol abuse and called for collective action to safeguard the nation’s well-being and future prosperity.
