Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has announced new government action aimed at completely eliminating illicit drugs and substance abuse in the country.
According to the CS, the president identified key areas that required radical operational reforms adding that the matter had become an issue affecting national security and development.
Further, he said that drug abuse in the country was directly and negatively impacting economic growth and development, facilitating crime and the spread of diseases including HIV/AIDS.
“Every household in Kenya today hosts and can relate to instances of drug abuse. No family has been spared. On this basis, the president assigned the deputy president the role on leading the war on alcohol and drug abuse.
“The government has adopted a national security posture. It must be clarified that as a national security threat, politics, culture, religion and any other matter that cloud judgement is not involved in this. This is purely a law enforcement matter,” he said.
Kindiki Announces New Reforms and Laws
Kindiki announced that the government had made a decision to revoke all licenses and certifications permit for second generation alcohol and alcoholic beverage distillers and manufacturers across the country.
Additionally, he indicated that all licenses and certifications issued by the Kenya revenue Authority (KRA) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) will be vetted afresh.
“All existing valid licenses will be vetted afresh within 21 days of this directive with premises approved to resume operations only upon receipt of a fresh approval,” he said.
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The ministry of interior also invited all currently licensed manufactures and distillers to a meeting to be held on March 12, 2024, at 10:00 am. Location and agenda will be communicated.
The manufacturers were also directed to install quality control laboratories, operated by competent analysts.
“KEBS shall ensure that within 45 days, all industrial ethanol is denatured to prevent the industrial use of ethanol on alcohol manufacture.
At the same time, the CS indicated that the head of state had ordered the closure of all bars located in residential areas and within the vicinity of educational institutions.
“All licenses issued to bars contrary to the law especially premises within residential areas and educational institutions are declared null and void and county security teams across the country must enforce the law cited with immediate effect,” he added.
Kindi also announced that no bars or alcoholic outlets will be allowed to operate beyond the stipulated hours. Failure to which the operator will be fined or arrested as stipulated by the law and their licenses revoked.
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Gachagua Singles Out Failing Officers
While speaking during the session, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua called out officers who he noted were failing at fighting drug abuse in the country.
In addition, he singled out border control officers insisting that they had the heavier role of ensuring that illicit and illegal drugs did not make their way into the country.
“There are certain areas where officers in charge must pull up their socks. The team from Kajiado, at the points of Namanga and Loitoktok are points or entry for ethanol, bhang and other illegal goods. Either the officers there have slept on the job, or they are part of the problem.
“Officers from Migori county, there are challenges at the entry points of Isibania. Officers from Busia, Bungoma, Marsabit and Isiolo,” he said.
