The Kenyan government has taken stringent measures to put an end to the sale and use of illicit alcohol in the country.
All licenses for second-generation alcohol manufacturers and distillers have been revoked, pending thorough re-evaluation within 21 days following the directive.
The government has also directed that all bars within 300 metres of schools and residential areas be immediately shut down until further notice.
Public officers are now prohibited from engaging in the brew business, with existing ventures, whether personal or proxy, mandated to cease operations immediately.
This latest initiative is part of a comprehensive set of 25 rules adopted by President William Ruto’s administration to eradicate the pervasive issue of illicit alcohol, known for its adverse effects on public health.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, a key advocate for this cause, revealed the measures on Wednesday, alongside Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.
Prof. Kindiki stated:
“All public officers currently operating such premises are required to shut them down or resign from the service with immediate effect.
“Cross referencing of the Public Service Commission, National Police Service Commission and distinct agency staff records shall be undertaken to secure compliance thereof.
Speaking on President Ruto’s commitment to eradicating illicit alcohol in Kenya, Mr. Gachagua stated;
“President Ruto, who chairs the National Security Council, has given clear and unequivocal instructions to us that the matter of drug and substance abuse has reached alarming proportions and is a serious threat to our national security.
“The government has decided that this matter has to be dealt with as an existential threat to the republic because of what poison disguised as alcohol has done to our people.”
The government is also taking steps to ensure the integrity of enforcement agencies, directing them to vet officers at border points, highways, and regional offices.
The DP also mentioned that police officers standing in the way of the government in the fight against illicit alcohol and drugs will face severe consequences, including immediate dismissal from office.
He explained the revised policy, stating;
“There is a new policy direction, that failure, you will no longer be transferred to another county. Where officers have failed to perform their duties by acts of omission or commission, they will no longer be transferred to other counties because that is essentially transferring failures, and all counties are part of this fight.”
Additionally, the government has ordered an immediate ban on the manufacture, sale, use, advertisement, and distribution of shisha. Counties are instructed to enforce this directive rigorously.
News Central reported in February that at least 18 people died after consuming illicit alcohol in Kirinyaga County. Over five others went blind as a resultant effect of the alcohol.