Kindiki's 21-day ultimatum to alcohol manufacturers

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki in Mombasa County. [Kelvin Karani, Standard]

Only two out of twenty-nine (29) manufacturers and distillers of second-generation alcohol are fully compliant with the law and can resume production.

This follows a multi-agency vetting process of alcohol manufacturers and distillers across the country, championed by the Ministry of Interior.

In a communique, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki noted that only Kenya Nut Company Limited and United Distillers Vintners (UDV) are fit to continue with production.

Three other entities were also found to be compliant but can only resume production on condition that they meet all the set regulations.

They include Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL), Savanna Brands Company Limited, and Patiala Distillers Kenya Limited.

"Among the conditions includes verification and approval of the model of the transmitter for offloading, production of valid calibration certificates and services done on them, and payment of the standards levy," said Kindiki.

However, the licenses and permits of twenty-four (24) other entities remain suspended until they are fully compliant.

They have been given 21 days effective April 8, to ensure they meet all the set regulations, "failure to which the licenses, permits, and authorizations shall stand revoked."

On March 6, Kindiki announced a 25-point enforcement program meant to suppress the manufacture, sale, distribution, and consumption of illegal alcohol and narcotics in the country.