The Ministry of Interior has released a new list of approved manufacturers and distillers of second-generation alcohol.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki through a press statement on Friday April 5, 2024, announced the list following a vetting process that was initiated to ensure compliance with set standards.

CS Kindiki noted that out of the 29 active distillers and manufacturers of second-generation alcohol who were vetted, only two were found to be fully compliant.

According to the statement, Kenya Nut Company Ltd and UDV satisfied the requirements of the vetting and were therefore cleared to resume production of alcohol immediately.

“Two entities have been found to be fully compliant by all the agencies and consequently they may resume production forthwith: -Kenya Nut Company Limited; and UDV,” read part of the statement.

The government also cleared three other manufacturers of second-generation alcohol after they were found to be compliant.

They include Savanna Brands Company Limited, Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL) and Patiala Distillers Kenya Limited. However, the three companies will only resume production after meeting some specified conditions.

List of alcohol companies whose licenses remain revoked

On the other hand, the government announced that the other companies not cleared in the first vetting will remain suspended.

Among the notable names in the list of suspended manufacturers include London Distillers Kenya Limited and Keroche Breweries Limited.

List of other suspended companies

Other companies whose production has been halted include;

• Two Cousins Distillers Limited
• Corobus Africa Products Limited
• Lyniber Supplies Limited
• Elle Kenya Limited
• Zheng Hong (K) Limited
• Rift Valley Brewing Company – Thika
• FRM EA Packers Limited
• Manchester Distillers Limited
• Kedsta Investment Limited
• Julijo Investment Limited
• Platinum Distillers Limited
• Agro Chemicals and Food Processing Company
• Crywan Enterprises
• Lumat Company Limited
• Fastlane Wines and Spirits
• Algarve Distillers Limited
• Viva Bedida
• Metro Breweries
• Sabibu Beverages Africa Limited
• Lodiani Water Spring
• Africa Spirit Limited
• Mamboleo Distillers

The list by the Ministry of Interior comes after the government announced a twenty-five-point enforcement program for suppression of the manufacture, sale, distribution and consumption of illicit alcohol, narcotic drugs, and psychotropic substances in the Country.

Also Read: President Ruto Revokes Licenses of All Alcohol Companies

Control of alcohol manufacturing

New measures taken included the immediate suspension of all licenses, permits and authorizations for the manufacture and distillery of second-generation alcohol.

Additionally, a further directive was issued by the government ordering a fresh vetting to be undertaken within twenty-one days.

“The vetting process was aimed at ensuring compliance of establishments with security, safety, health, labor, environmental and other standards as defined in relevant National Laws,” added CS Kindiki.

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The vetting process was conducted by eight agencies including the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

Others included the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS), Anticounterfeit Agency (ACA), Public Health Department, and the Department of Weights and Measures.

According to Kindiki, failure to meet the compliance within 21 days will see their licenses, permits and authorizations stand revoked.