The Government (GOVT)through the Ministry of Interior and National Administration has allowed thirteen more manufacturers and distillers of second-generation alcohol to resume operations.
In a statement released on July 14, 2024, the ministry noted that this licensing brings the total number of manufacturers and distillers of the second-generation brew currently allowed to operate in the Country to 15.
On March 6, 2024, the Government announced a 25-point enforcement program for suppression of the manufacture, sale, distribution and consumption of illicit alcohol, narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in the Country.
“The Government has allowed thirteen (13) more manufacturers and distillers of
second-generation alcohol to resume operations. This brings the total number of manufacturers and distillers of the second-generation brew currently allowed to operate in the Country to 15,” reads part of the statement.
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According to the statement the measures included immediate suspension of all licenses permits and authorizations for the manufacturers and distillery of all second -generation alcohol.
Govt Licenses 13 more Alcohol Manufacturers to Reopen
Further, a directive was issued giving way for fresh vetting to be undertaken within twenty-one (21) days to ensure compliance of establishments with security, safety, health, labor other standards as defined in relevant National laws.
The ministry revealed that all the twenty-nine active manufacturers and distillers of second -generation alcohol were vetted by a multi-agency team and only two were found to be fully compliant.
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“Kenya Nut Company Limited and UDV were allowed to continue with their operations after they were found to have met all the requirements in a countrywide vetting exercise conducted between March 18 and March 21, 2024,” revealed the ministry.
However, some manufacturers and distillers did not avail themselves for vetting and did not inform the team of their compliance status within the 21 days of notice.
“Five manufacturers and distillers did not inform the vetting team of their compliance status within the 21 days in line with the notice issued to them and were not involve status within the 21 days in line with the notice issued to them and were not involved in the May re-vetting exercise and included the Metro Breweries Limited, Fastlane wines and Spirits, Keroche Brewery Limited, Africa spirit Limited and Lodiani Water Springs Limited,” stated the ministry.
Vetting Teams Involved
Additionally, other companies that did not honor the compliance included Zheng Hong(K) Limited, Two Cousins Distillers Limited, LyniberSupplies Limited, Elle Kenya Limited, Agro Chemical & Food Co. Limited, Crywan enterprises and London distiller Kenya limited.
Likewise, the nine alcohol manufacturers that had not complied fully with the requirements included Rift Valley Brewing Company, Platinum Distillers, Limited, Lumat Company Limited, Julijo Investment (K)Limited, Kedsta Investment Limited, Viva Bebida Limited, Sabibu Beverages Africa Limited, Mambo Leo Distillers Limited and Algarve distillers Limited.
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The govt mentioned that the vetting process was carried out by ten agencies that are under the state department of internal security and National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
In addition, Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health, Services (DOSHS), Anti- Counterfeit Agency (ACA), Public Health Department, National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) and the Department of Weights and Measures were also part of the vetting teams.
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