Kithure Kindiki, the Cabinet Secretary for the Interior, has confirmed that more than 18,000 establishments that have broken the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act will be shut down.
Speaking in Kisii, Kindiki announced the closure of 12,150 locations operating without a license and 6,500 locations operating in violation of the Alcohol Drinks Act.
"We have been able to shut down 6500 premises that were operating with licenses but contrary to the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act which is national law, and is superior to county law by virtue of our constitution. Therefore, those licenses have been revoked for violating national law and those premises closed," he said.
"We have also shut down 12,150 premises across the country that were operating without a license from any authority. In total, we have 18,650 premises which are shut down."
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Additionally, he proved that 14 distilleries had their property destroyed and were shut down for operating illegally.
We have shut down fourteen distilleries that were operating illegally across the nation. To make sure we eliminate the ability to produce toxic substances for the Kenyan people, we have also demolished the breweries' infrastructure.
Drugs and illegal brews, according to the Interior CS, are a threat that is destroying Kenyans.
"The best of our population is being destroyed by these toxic, unhealthy drinks, drugs, and substances," he declared.
Kindiki acknowledged that there was a connection between illegal alcohol use and criminal activity, noting that since the government started to combat illicit alcohol use and drugs, there has been a noticeable decrease in crime.
This is the aftermath of the Deputy President's campaign against drugs, illegal brews, and substance abuse.
On March 6, the government unveiled fresh initiatives to end illegal brewing in the nation.
Following a meeting at Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's Karen home, the government issued a statement ordering the immediate closure of all bars and alcohol-serving establishments in residential areas and close to educational institutions.
"Any licences currently issued to bars and other outlets and premises by County Governments that are contrary to the provisions of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, especially as relates to licensing of premises within residential areas and around basic educational institutions, are null and void. County Security Teams are to secure the shutdown and seizure of such premises with immediate effect," the statement reads.
He also announced the suspension of licenses issued to second-generation alcohol distillers and manufacturers.
"All licenses and certification permits for second-generation alcohol and alcoholic beverage distillers and manufacturers, issued by KRA and KEBS stand suspended with immediate effect," said Kindiki.
