Kindiki Orders Re-inspection of Alcohol Premises, Warns Non-Compliant Businesses Face Closure
Several businesses face possible shutdown after Deputy President Kithure Kindiki directed enforcement agencies to re-inspect alcohol premises and establish their compliance with government regulations.
Kindiki issued the directive on Tuesday, September 29, after meeting Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and heads of regulatory agencies in Karen, Nairobi.
He directed enforcement and regulatory agencies to re-inspect all alcohol manufacturing premises to assess their compliance with applicable standards and regulations.
“I have directed enforcement and regulatory agencies to re-inspect manufacturer premises to ascertain the current state of compliance with all applicable standards and regulations,” Kindiki stated.
Immediate Closure for Non-Compliant Businesses
Following the directive, alcohol premises found operating without the required licences or failing to meet applicable standards and regulations will face immediate closure.
The DP said the government had sustained its campaign against illicit trade as part of efforts to protect public health and safeguard the country.
“The government continues to sustain the war against illicit alcohol and drug abuse to protect public health and secure the nation for present and future generations,” he added.
Kindiki reiterated that intelligence-led multi-agency operations were making progress in dismantling cartels and disrupting supply chains linked to unlicensed manufacturers.
Additional Resources for Enforcement
The DP said the government would provide additional resources and equipment to security and regulatory agencies to boost enforcement.
He also directed CS Murkomen to convene a sector forum within 14 days, jointly with a special committee from the Council of Governors, to discuss licensing and the control of alcohol trade.
The forum will also establish a framework for national and county governments to partner in establishing and running rehabilitation services.
“Agreed that the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration will, within 14 days and in liaison with the relevant committee of the Council of Governors, convene a sector forum,” Kindiki said.
Rehabilitation Centres in Every County
In his statement, Kindiki announced that the government also plans to establish at least one public rehabilitation centre in every county within the next year.
The National and County Governments will partner to build and operate the facilities, with each centre estimated to cost KSh60 million.
Kindiki said the government had recorded significant achievements over the past year, partly due to the motivation of village elders through a monthly stipend.
What This Means for Businesses
Alcohol manufacturers and retailers now face fresh scrutiny as the government intensifies its crackdown on illicit trade. Businesses operating without valid licences or failing to meet standards risk immediate closure, while the planned sector forum could introduce new licensing and control measures.