Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo revealed that 8,496 businesses have been shut down as the Ministry intensifies its crackdown on illicit alcohol.
In a press statement shared with Kenyans.co.ke on Tuesday, March 19, the PS revealed that 6,931 premises selling alcoholic beverages in estates had been shut down in an effort to limit the number of youth getting addicted.
The crackdown expanded to the pharmaceuticals industry and saw 804 chemists/pharmacies and 761 agrovets shut down.
Omollo further revealed that a committee had been formed to vet companies after suspending all licenses for those manufacturing second-generation alcohol.
The committee, chaired by the PS, held a consultative meeting on March 12 which was attended by 55 out of 64 alcoholic drinks manufacturers.
"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," he announced.
"The verification exercise mandates that manufacturers install quality control laboratories equipped with specialized testing apparatus and qualified personnel, ensuring rigorous scrutiny of raw materials and finished products."
To enhance the crackdown, the PS also directed county security teams across the country to implement the 25 directives Interior CS Kithure Kindiki issued including shutting down all unlicensed manufacturers, distilleries, agrovets, and chemists within 10 days.
"The implementation of strict product tracking systems is required to monitor alcohol distribution from source to consumer, underscoring the Government's commitment to public health and safety," he added.
It is estimated that the closure of the bars rendered more than 10,000 individuals jobless attracting condemnation from several leaders.
They argued that shutting down the establishment was counter-productive since the business owners did not participate in manufacturing the illicit brew.
"They have not been given the products not supposed to their shelves, and no one has compensated their licenses,” Jubilee Secretary General (SG) Jeremiah Kioni.
