Illicit brews are not going anywhere, so let us embrace them

Recent articles in the press indicate that the so-called illicit brews are back (e.g. Central Kenya Leaders to Meet Interior CS Nkaissery over Return of Killer Brews, local daily, February 7, 2016). These stories and a recent visit to my village have convinced me that these drinks are not going anywhere anytime soon. There is therefore need for us to revisit the current policy towards these brews.

The  war on ‘illicit brews’ presents an interesting study in the policy dilemmas associated with controlling drunkenness - and its associated social problems, promoting local entrepreneurship and promoting equality. The current policy has instead focused on the first, while ignoring the second and the third aspects of local brews.