"Kenya Declares War Against Illicit Brews: Ministry of Interior Announces Sweeping Measures"

 

 "Kenya Declares War Against Illicit Brews: Ministry of Interior Announces Sweeping Measures"

  In a bold move to tackle the pervasive issue of illicit brews, the Kenyan Ministry of Interior and National Administration has unveiled a series of stringent measures aimed at overhauling the alcoholic beverage industry. These groundbreaking announcements, made under the Preservation of Public Security Act, mark a turning point in the battle against the production and distribution of illegal and harmful alcohol in the country.

Key Measures Unveiled:

1. License Suspension and Vetting:

   • Immediate suspension of licenses for second-generation alcohol and alcoholic beverage distillers and manufacturers.
   • Vetted licenses to be reissued within 21 days, ensuring strict compliance.
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2. Quality Control Requirements:

   • Mandatory installation of Quality Control laboratories using Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detector.
   • Monthly submission of QC results to Kenya Bureau of Standards.

3. Traceability and Information Disclosure:

   • Alcohol manufacturers required to document all traders in their distribution chain.
   • Products to include traceability information such as manufacturer details, location, and ingredients.

4. Bar and Outlet Regulations:

   • Nullification of licenses for bars and outlets violating Alcoholic Drinks Control Act provisions.
   • Strict enforcement of operating hours and penalties for non-compliance.

5. Counterfeit Reporting Obligations:

   • Licensed manufacturers mandated to report counterfeit products to the Anti Counterfeit Authority.
   • Geo-location disclosure for licensed premises to curb illegal stocks.

Stringent Penalties and Legal Actions:

6. Law Enforcement Accountability:

   • Law enforcement officers aiding and abetting offenses under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act to face liability.
   • Prohibition of public officers in the enforcement chain from owning or operating bars.

7. Landlord Accountability:

   • Landlords deemed aiders and abetters for renting space for bars in prohibited areas.

8. Vehicle and Property Seizure:

   • Seizure of vehicles and buildings used in the storage, manufacturing, and trafficking of illegal drugs, illicit brews, and alcohol.

Further Government Actions:

Announcementts 

9. Surveillance and Compliance:
   • Multi-stakeholder approach for surveillance,