NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 29 — Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has ordered fresh inspections of all alcohol manufacturing premises across the country as the government intensifies its crackdown on illicit brews and alcohol-related harm.

📻 Breaking It Down

Kindiki directed the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, together with enforcement and regulatory agencies, to re-inspect all alcohol manufacturing premises and establish whether they continue to comply with applicable standards and regulations.

The directive followed a meeting with Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and heads of regulatory and enforcement agencies, where Kindiki received an update on measures already taken and proposals for further action.

The government said intelligence-led, multi-agency operations were progressively disrupting illicit alcohol cartels, dismantling supply networks and shutting down unlicensed manufacturing establishments.

📌 What You Need to Know

The fresh inspections will establish whether manufacturers currently operating in the country continue to meet the required regulatory conditions.

The renewed push builds on the government’s existing multi-agency approach to tackling illicit alcohol and drug abuse. The Interior Ministry’s mandate includes coordination and oversight of government operations across counties, while its services include alcoholic drinks and rehabilitation accreditation.

Kindiki has previously directed authorities to pursue illicit and unsafe alcoholic drinks across the entire supply chain, with security agencies and regulators expected to work together to ensure products reaching consumers meet prescribed health and safety standards.

The government has identified agencies including the Kenya Bureau of Standards, Kenya Revenue Authority, Anti-Counterfeit Authority and the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse as part of the multi-agency response.

Parliament has also been told that enforcement against adulterated, counterfeit and substandard alcoholic drinks includes manufacturer inspections, intelligence-led raids, seizure and destruction of non-compliant products, closure of illegal premises, prosecutions, product recalls and market surveillance.

The government says recent operations in several counties have resulted in raids on suspected illegal manufacturing sites, seizure of illicit products and action against premises operating without required approvals.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya