The government has cleared two second-generation alcohol manufacturers and distillers to resume production after meeting vetting requirements.

In an announcement on Friday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said UDV and Kenya Nut Company are free to resume their operations immediately.

This came after the completion of the inspection of 29 active manufacturers and distillers directed by the government as part of measures to combat illicit alcohol and drug abuse announced on March 6.

Kindiki stated that the government had upheld the suspension of 24 manufacturers and distillers over non-compliance following fresh vetting.

Further, he said the 24's licenses will remain suspended until all the compliance issues are satisfactorily addressed within 21 days, effective Monday, April 8, 2024.

The affected entities include Keroche Breweries Limited, Two Cousins Distillers Limited, Corobus Africa Products Limited, Lyniber Supplies Limited, Elle Kenya Limited, Zheng Hong (K) Limited, Rift Valley Brewing Company—Thika, Africa Spirit Limited, and Manchester Distillers Limited.

Three companies were partially compliant.

Kindiki said they would resume production once they confirmed compliance with verifying and approving the transmitter model for offloading and dispatch flowmeters.

The National Authority conducted the vetting exercise for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), and the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS).

Others include the Anti-Counterfeit Agency (ACA), the Public Health Department, the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), and the Department of Weights and Measures.

Kindiki lauded the agencies, public officers, manufacturers, and distillers of second-generation alcohol for their cooperation throughout the vetting exercise.