The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has effected new ethanol use, production and importation rules following an order by President William Ruto, aimed at reducing alcohol abuse in the country.
In a statement on Tuesday, March 26, KEBS indicated that all ethanol produced or imported into the country will have to be denatured.
Further, the bureau specified that the denaturing has to be done using ‘Denatonium benzoate’ as a denaturant.
“Following the Government directive issued on 6th March 2024 on eradication of illicit brews, drug. and substance abuse, all locally produced Ethanol and Ethanol imported into Kenya designated for industrial use shall be required to be denatured using ‘Denatonium benzoate’ as a denaturant to prevent misuse,” the statement read in part.
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KEBS Issues New Orders to Producers
Therefore, the bureau has directed producers of Ethanol to show proof of denaturing before it is cleared for release at the ports or use in the production of alcohol.
KEBS explained that the move will prevent the misuse of the chemical in many ways including the diversion of ethanol intended for industrial use.
“Evidence of denaturation shall be required before the Ethanol designated for industrial use is cleared for release from the manufacturers’ premises, for locally produced Ethanol, or at the Ports of entry for imported Ethanol.
“Such misuse include, but not limited to diverting Ethanol designated for industrial use, which is not fit for human consumption, as a raw material in the manufacture of alcoholic beverages,” added the statement.
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Ruto Order on Ethanol Use
On March 6, President William Ruto declared new government action aimed at completely eliminating illicit drugs and substance abuse in the country.
Aside from the new ethanol rules, the government revoked the licenses of all alcohol manufacturing companies.
“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,” Interior CS Kindiki said while making the announcement on behalf of the head of state.
Also, the manufacturers were directed to install quality control laboratories, operated by competent analysts.
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.
