Kenya Deputy President orders crackdown on illicit alcohol

Kenya Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has ordered a fresh inspection of all alcohol manufacturing plants to ensure compliance with government standards and regulations. The directive follows a meeting in Nairobi with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, and various regulatory heads to assess measures against illicit alcohol and drug abuse.

Under the new directive, any alcohol premises found operating without proper licenses or failing to meet regulatory standards will face immediate closure. Kindiki emphasized that intelligence-led multi-agency operations are currently working to dismantle cartels and disrupt supply chains linked to unlicensed manufacturers.

To coordinate further action, Kindiki directed the Interior Cabinet Secretary to convene a sector forum within 14 days, in partnership with a committee from the Council of Governors. This forum will address alcohol trade licensing and establish a framework for national and county governments to collaborate on running rehabilitation centers. Additionally, a special Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council meeting is scheduled for next month to strengthen the government's fight against illicit substances.