State closes over 6000 alcohol selling premises
The government has closed at least 6,931 alcoholic premises near residential estates and schools countrywide.
Interior PS Raymond Omollo on Tuesday said that at the same time kicked off a nationwide vetting of alcohol manufacturers in a multi-agency exercise that he will chair.
The team comprises members from the State Department for Internal Security, Public Health and Professional Standards, the Trade, Labour and Skills Development, NACADA, Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, Anti Counterfeit Authority, and NEMA.
He said that enforcement actions are being taken against bars located in residential areas and near schools as well as establishments operating outside stipulated hours.
“Enforcement actions are also being taken against bars located in residential areas and near schools as well as establishments operating outside stipulated hours. 6,931 premises have been closed and alcoholic stocks confiscated,” he said.
He also revealed that all licenses for second-generation alcohol distillers and manufacturers remain suspended, pending a thorough nationwide vetting process.
“Over 29 premises are expected to undergo examination. Already, 35 companies have been identified as having their licenses either previously suspended, cancelled or found dormant,” he said.
According to the PS, the verification process requires manufacturers to set up quality control laboratories equipped with specialised testing equipment and qualified personnel to ensure rigorous testing of raw materials and finished products.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki ordered a crackdown on the production, sale and distribution of illicit alcohol on March 6, declaring it a key national security threat.
This declaration was followed by the introduction of 25 directives aimed at initiating sweeping raids, regulations and enforcement actions across the entire demand and supply chain.
He also ordered the closure of bars owned by civil servants, saying the move would eliminate the conflict of interest.
The government ordered that officials who own or run bars should either close them or resign.
In addition, the CS announced that landlords who rent space to such establishments will also be held accountable.
“All landlords or owners of premises will be considered abettors and will be held liable for renting out space for the establishment of bars/wine and liquor outlets in prohibited areas under Section 20(c) of the Penal Code,” Kindiki said.
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