Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki on Monday announced the suspension of liquor brewing licenses in the county after fronting the proposal to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.
According to the Governor, the businesses will not allowed to operate until an ongoing audit is completed.
He further noted that this was in line with the nationwide crackdown on illicit brew led by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and in conjunction with the Interior Ministry.
"The Ministry of Interior has finally approved our proposal that all manufacturers should have their license withdrawn until the inspection is done. The suspension will be until it is confirmed what they are making is legitimate," he stated.
Governor Njuki lamented that some manufacturers were operating in the county and across the nation without a license risking the lives of Kenyans.
He also revealed that some companies were operating despite being shut down by the government. This has necessitated the implementation of drastic measures to weed out rogue business owners.
"In Tharaka Nithi county, no industry has been licensed by either the national or county government to brew any alcohol," he added.
This move is among the measures both the county and national governments are implementing to get rid of illicit brew which has resulted in the death of several Kenyans.
DP Gachagua who is spearheading the operation earlier emphasised that the issue had mostly affected the Mt Kenya region, breaking up families and slowing down development.
As the crackdown continues, over 8,000 businesses have been shut down and thousands of Kenyans have lost their jobs. In a statement from the Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, the ministry was also shutting down pharmaceuticals, chemists and agrovet.
In the Tuesday statement, Omollo added that a committee was established to vet companies, especially those manufacturing second-generation alcohol.
"The focus will be on spirit manufacturers, with over 29 premises expected to undergo examination. 35 companies have been identified as having their licenses either previously suspended, cancelled or found dormant," he stated.
After the vetting process, approved manufacturers will be necessitated to install quality control laboratories with specialised testing apparatus and qualified personnel.
