The government has introduced a series of robust measures aimed at eradicating the menace of illicit brews, drugs, and substance abuse across the nation.
Following a convened meeting led by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, which included all Regional and County National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), Security Teams, and County Police Commanders from various law enforcement agencies, the government unveiled these measures in response to the escalating threat posed by the trade, consumption, and abuse of drugs and illicit alcohol.
In a statement delivered by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki after the meeting held at the Deputy President’s official residence in Karen, Nairobi, the government highlighted the severity of the current situation, deeming it a significant national security concern alongside other pressing issues.
To address the crisis of illicit alcohol and substance abuse, the government has outlined the following measures:
1. Immediate suspension of all licenses and certification permits for second-generation alcohol and alcoholic beverage manufacturers, subject to thorough vetting within 21 days. Operations may only resume upon obtaining fresh approval.
2. All licensed manufacturers and distillers are summoned to a crucial meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 12th, 2024, to discuss the outlined measures.
3. New license applications necessitate the installation of Quality Control (QC) laboratories equipped with Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detector (FID), operated by competent analysts to ensure product quality.
4. Mandatory documentation of all traders in the distribution chain, ensuring full traceability of alcoholic products from manufacturing to consumption.
5. The Kenya Bureau of Standards to denature industrial ethanol within 45 days to prevent diversion for illicit purposes.
6. Immediate nullification of licenses issued to establishments violating the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, with strict enforcement by County Security Teams.
7. Enforced operation hours for bars and alcoholic outlets, with penalties for non-compliance.
8. Licensed manufacturers to report counterfeits and provide detailed information on their premises and stock records.
9. Accountability for law enforcement officers found aiding or abetting offenses related to alcoholic drinks.
10. Prohibition of public officers in the enforcement chain from owning or operating bars, with strict compliance measures.
11. Liability of landlords renting premises for prohibited alcohol establishments.
12. Verification of licenses for chemists and agrovets within 30 days, with closure for non-compliant establishments.
13. Deregistration of pharmacists and veterinary doctors dispensing prescription drugs without proper authorization.
14. Seizure of vehicles/buildings involved in the storage, manufacturing, and trafficking of illegal drugs.
15. Implementation of branding and transportation regulations for alcoholic and tobacco products.
16. Establishment of a multi-stakeholder approach to enhance surveillance and enforcement.
17. Border surveillance through a multi-agency framework to curb illicit trade.
18. Review of guidelines on minimum quantity of alcoholic drinks by the Kenya Bureau of Standards.
19. Integrity vetting of officers at border points and highways.
20. Ban on the importation, sale, and use of shisha.
21. Enforcement of labeling and packaging regulations for tobacco products.
22. Harmonization of custom and excise duty of ethanol and taxation proposals.
23. Establishment of dedicated rehabilitation facilities in hospitals.
24. Fast-tracking of legislative interventions to amend relevant Acts and regulations.
25. Immediate shutdown and destruction of illicit establishments by County Security Committees.
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