War on illicit liquor: Government begins nationwide vetting of alcohol manufacturers

The Government has begun a nationwide vetting of alcohol manufacturers in a bid to step up the fight against illicit liquor.

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo on Tuesday, March 19, said a specialized multi-agency team has been formed to spearhead the vetting exercise.

“The focus will be on spirit manufacturers, with over 29 premises expected to undergo examination.  Already, 35 companies have been identified as having their licenses either previously suspended, canceled, or found dormant,” said Omollo.

For a manufacturer to be verified, the company has to install quality control laboratories equipped with special testing apparatus and qualified personnel and ensure intense scrutiny of raw materials and finished products. 

The ministry is also working on a strict product tracking system which will help in monitoring alcohol distribution from source to consumers.

A total of 6,931 alcoholic and manufacturing joints have so far been closed and stocks seized. At least eighty (80) shisha outlets have also been shut across the country. 

Compliance operations have also been extended to the pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors, resulting in the closure of 804 chemists and pharmacies and 761 agro-vets.

The government declared the fight against illicit alcohol, drug, and substance abuse as a top national security threat early in the month. 

It then introduced 25 directives aimed at initiating crackdowns, regulations, and enforcement actions. 

PS Omollo reiterated that county security teams have been directed to implement the directives including shutting down all unlicensed manufacturers, distilleries, agro vets, and chemists within ten days.

All law enforcement officers involved in the alcohol trade have also been ordered to immediately cease, owing to conflict of interest and because “It is in violation of the Public Officer Ethics Act and the Constitution. “

As it stands, all licenses for second-generation alcohol distillers and manufacturers were suspended, pending the vetting process