The business of alcohol: Where State might have failed, and the way out

Youth help offload cartons of second generation brews from police lorries at Asian Quarters dumpsite in Nyeri town for destruction. [Photo: JOB WERU/Standard]

Forget the holier-than-thou sentiments from some clergy. One of mankind’s longest running rituals is brewing and drinking of alcohol. For Africans, alcohol was consumed in nearly every ceremony - secular or religious. Indeed, to appease their gods, Africans poured to the ground some drink for them to also partake in the merriment.

Today, few occasions are complete without alcohol. Drinking of alcohol is as old as culture, and it will be around as long as people continue having cultures. That is why trade in alcohol is a lucrative business across the globe. In Kenya, alcohol beverage is a veritable business that includes such companies as East African Breweries, Keroche Breweries and Sierra.