Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced a total crackdown on the production and distribution of harmful alcoholic drinks in Kenya. Speaking during a visit to development projects in Lari and Thika Town constituencies in Kiambu County, Kindiki stated that the government will deal vehemently with anyone involved in the prohibited business. He emphasized that the lives of young people are exposed to health risks due to the consumption of illicit brews.
Kindiki directed all security agencies and relevant government agencies, including the Kenya Revenue Authority, the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, the Kenya Bureau of Standards, and security agencies, to work together with citizens to eliminate alcohol that is harmful to the health of young people. The Deputy President warned that those selling alcohol containing chemicals and substances that harm young people will face the full force of the law.
The Deputy President compared the fight against harmful alcoholic drinks to the successful defeat of terrorists and bandits threatening the country's security. He stated that the government will employ the same energy and focus that saw the defeat of Al-Shabaab and bandits to tackle the issue of illicit brews. Kindiki also announced that manufacturers will be vetted afresh to ensure compliance with relevant restrictions on production and distribution.
Kindiki reiterated that all alcohol manufacturers in Kenya, regardless of the type of alcohol they produce, will be vetted afresh, and their licenses will be reviewed one by one to ensure they comply with health and quality standards set by the government. This move aims to eliminate those breaching existing regulations. The Deputy President also asked politicians to keep off the fight against harmful alcoholic drinks.
During his visit, Kindiki inspected various development projects in Kiambu County, including the Soko Mjinga Modern Market in Lari, which is nearing completion at a cost of 56 million shillings. The market is one of 31 markets under construction in the county. He also inspected the affordable housing project, where the government is constructing 752 units at View Point at a cost of KSh2.2 billion.
Kindiki assured residents of Kiambu County that the administration will not sideline them in the acceleration of projects geared at improving their lives. He cited ongoing projects worth hundreds of billions of shillings in the devolved unit and promised to keep a close eye to ensure faster completion. The Deputy President also launched the construction of Kwaheri–Mary Magdalena Road in Thika Town constituency, directing the contractor to complete it in under a year.
The Deputy President also inspected other development projects in Thika Town, including Gatuanyaga Fresh Produce Market, which is set for completion, and various affordable housing projects, including Thika Depot, Thika UTI, Kings Orchard, and Thika Bustani. Kindiki urged residents not to be swayed by empty rhetoric and those keen to perpetrate political violence, emphasizing the need to prioritize development over politics.
Key points
- The Kenyan government has launched a crackdown on the production and distribution of harmful alcoholic drinks.
- Deputy President Kindiki has directed all security agencies and relevant government agencies to work together to eliminate harmful alcoholic drinks.
- The government will vet all alcohol manufacturers in Kenya to ensure compliance with health and quality standards.
