Govt Shuts Down 3,204 Businesses Countrywide

The government has shut down a total of 3,204 businesses across the country after a nationwide crackdown on illicit Brews and Drugs.

The Cabinet on March 13, chaired by President William Ruto was informed that since the Interior ministry started implementing measures to fight illicit brews and narcotic drugs various businesses have been closed.

“2,393 non-compliant premises, 359 pharmacies and chemists and 452 Agro-vets have been closed,” read part of the cabinet dispatch.

Ministry of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki had earlier announced that President William Ruto’s government identified that the rampant trade, consumption, and abuse of illicit alcohol, narcotics, drugs, and psychotropic substances is one of the top five threats to the country’s security.

Strict Measures Put Across by the Cabinet

The Cabinet said that it has endorsed measures the government has taken in the fight against illegal brews and narcotic drugs including a revocation of all bar licences issued by counties against the law.

“Other measures include a 21-day suspension of all the 52 licences and permits issued to manufacturers and distillers of second-generation alcohol and an audit of conflict of interest within the ranks of enforcement agencies,” the cabinet said.

Also among the measures are nationwide crackdowns on the sale, transportation, distribution and consumption of illicit brews and narcotic drugs. 

Also Read: President Ruto Revokes Licenses of All Alcohol Companies

The Cabinet further resolved that any public officials who resist these measures against the fight against illicit brews and drugs will be violating Chapter Six of the Constitution and the laws on conflict of interest. 

“These include officials in the National Police Service, National Administration, Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, public health and public prosecution, among others,” read part of the statement. 

Government Raid on Illicit Brew and Narcotic Drugs

Also to note from the Cabinet meeting was that 5,835 raids on illicit and narcotic premises have been conducted, 289,390 litres of illicit brews and 13,198 litres of counterfeit alcohol have been netted. 

Also Read: 129 Arrested in Crackdown on Illegal Pharmaceuticals

Additionally, seven vessels used for drug trafficking have been seized, alongside confiscations of 3,603 rolls of bhang and 44 stones.

Noting the increased cases of addiction to alcohol and drugs, the Cabinet directed the Ministry of Health to prepare a framework for rehabilitation wards in all Level 5 hospitals. 

The ministry was also directed to closely work with county governments and ensure each county has a rehabilitation centre.