Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has issued a stern warning to traders involved in the manufacturing and sale of harmful alcoholic drinks in Kenya. He stated that the government will intensify its efforts to eliminate illicit and harmful alcoholic drinks from the market. Kindiki emphasized that those involved in this trade will be arrested and prosecuted, and that the government will not allow traders to sell poisonous substances to Kenyans under the guise of alcohol.
Kindiki made these remarks at the Limuru Milk Processing Plant grounds in Kiambu county, where he flagged off milk coolers for dairy cooperative societies in the region. He previously served as Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary and has experience in dealing with security issues. The Deputy President highlighted that some of those involved in the illicit alcohol trade operate without formal premises, manufacturing drinks by mixing chemicals before distributing them to unsuspecting consumers.
The government has ordered the inspection of alcoholic drink manufacturing premises to establish whether they meet quality and public health requirements. Kindiki stated that the crackdown would extend beyond Kiambu to other parts of the country, citing recent deaths linked to harmful alcoholic drinks in the region. He emphasized that the government will not allow anyone to threaten the lives of Kenyans through the sale of harmful drinks.
Kindiki also used the event to highlight government interventions in the dairy sector, including the distribution of 227 milk coolers to farmers across the country. The equipment aims to reduce milk wastage, improve storage, and support processing and value addition, thereby increasing farmers’ earnings. Kiambu has received 13 of the coolers at a cost of Sh98.14 million, with more than 21,500 dairy farmers expected to benefit.
The government estimates that the equipment will help save 15.7 million litres of milk from wastage annually, translating into an estimated Sh769 million in additional earnings for farmers. Kindiki attributed the increase in milk production to interventions in the dairy sector, stating that Kenya has become Africa’s largest producer of processed milk. He emphasized that the government is committed to meeting its bargain with milk farmers.
On politics, Kindiki urged residents of the Mt Kenya region to reject incitement and remain united despite differences in political choices. He emphasized that political differences should not result in violence or conflict among communities. Kindiki also highlighted that the government is implementing projects worth Sh52 billion in Kiambu, including 29 modern markets, housing projects, and hostels.
The Deputy President was accompanied by several leaders, including Limuru MP Chege Kiragu and Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke. Kindiki’s efforts to crack down on illicit alcohol sellers and support the dairy sector demonstrate the government’s commitment to improving the lives of Kenyans. The government’s initiatives aim to promote economic growth, improve public health, and enhance the overall well-being of citizens.
Key points
- The Kenyan government has intensified efforts to eliminate illicit and harmful alcoholic drinks from the market.
- Deputy President Kindiki has warned traders involved in the manufacturing and sale of harmful alcoholic drinks that they will be arrested and prosecuted.
- The government has distributed milk coolers to farmers across the country to reduce milk wastage and increase earnings.
