Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced that all manufacturers of alcoholic drinks sold in Kenya will undergo a fresh round of vetting. This move aims to address the spike in harmful alcoholic drinks. Kindiki made the announcement at Nyambari, in Lari Constituency, Kiambu County. He emphasized that the government has declared war on poisonous and illicit alcohol.
Kindiki cited the dangers of chemicals in some alcoholic drinks, which endanger lives, health, and reproductive health, particularly among young people. He referenced a similar vetting process carried out in 2024 for second-generation alcoholic drinks manufacturers. Some manufacturers previously flagged have continued to produce harmful alcohol, and their licenses need to be revoked.
To effect the crackdown, Kindiki will hold a meeting with officials from the Kenya Revenue Authority, the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, the Ministry of Interior, security agencies, and other stakeholders. This multi-agency approach aims to ensure a comprehensive and effective vetting process.
Kindiki called upon Kenyans to depoliticize the fight against harmful alcoholic drinks. He emphasized that this is a matter of security and public health, and politicians should focus on development projects. The fight against illicit and poisonous alcohol should be left to government officials and security organs.
During his visit to Lari Constituency, Kindiki inspected development projects being undertaken by the national government. He assured Kenyans that the government is on course with its development agenda and urged them to ignore critics. Kindiki highlighted the construction of the Lironi–Mau Summit Road as an example of the government's progress.
Kindiki expressed satisfaction with the progress of development projects in the area. He noted that critics who previously doubted the government's ability to construct roads and implement development projects have gone silent. The Deputy President emphasized that the reality on the ground speaks for itself.
The fresh vetting of alcohol manufacturers is part of the government's efforts to address the issue of harmful alcoholic drinks in Kenya. Kindiki's announcement is a significant step towards ensuring public health and safety. The government aims to work with stakeholders to effectively implement this crackdown.
Key points
- The Kenyan government will conduct a fresh vetting of all alcohol manufacturers to curb the production and sale of harmful drinks.
- Deputy President Kindiki emphasized the need to depoliticize the fight against harmful alcoholic drinks and leave it to government officials and security organs.
- The government aims to revoke licenses of manufacturers producing harmful alcohol and has declared war on poisonous and illicit alcohol.
