Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has ordered the closure of bars and clubs within residential areas and schools.
Kindiki spoke on Wednesday when he announced the government’s stringent measures against the trade, consumption, and abuse of illicit alcohol, narcotics drugs and psychotropic substances, which he now says ranks as one of the five key national security threats.
He spoke after meeting the regional and county National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), and security teams, including county police commanders from the Kenya Police Service, Administration Police Service and Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
“Any licences currently issued to bars and other outlets and premises by county governments that are contrary to the provisions of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, especially as relates to licensing of premises within residential areas and around basic educational institutions are null and void. County security teams are to secure shut down and seizure of such premises with immediate effect,” Kindiki ordered.
Kindiki also announced that all landlords or premise owners renting out space for the establishment of bars and wines and spirits outlets in prohibited areas will be deemed aiders and abetters and be held liable.
Also, in the new directives, all vehicles and buildings used in the storage, manufacturing and trafficking of illegal drugs, illicit brews and alcohol will be seized and deemed to be government property.
“The Ministry of Interior and National Administration and Ministry of Health shall put in place measures for branding and colour specification of all alcoholic and tobacco distribution vehicles. Further, such products are to be transported between the hours of 6 am and 6 pm only. The guidelines to be issued within 14 days from this directive, with manufacturers expected to secure full implementation within 45 days,” Kindiki said.
“A multi-stakeholder approach has been instituted to strengthen surveillance, enforcement and compliance at all levels led by the National Government Administrative Officers.”
Kindiki announced that the Kenya Bureau of Standards shall within 60 days, review the guidelines on the minimum quantity of alcoholic drinks to enhance the same from 250ml to 750ml or higher.
“All enforcement agencies shall undertake integrity vetting of all officers manning border points, highways and regional offices. Only officers of integrity and good standing will be appointed to conduct surveillance at the border points and highways, especially Namanga and Isebania, Moyale and Isiolo,” he added.
Kindiki directive on shisha
Kindiki maintained that the importation, manufacture, sale, use, advertisement, promotion or distribution of shisha is outlawed in the country, any establishment found in breach of this provision will be shut down immediately.
Kindiki has also directed county security teams to shut down and destroy illicit manufacturing installations, distilleries and agrovets.
“All County Security Committees have received the existing approved and licensed list of manufacturers, distillers, pharmacists, and agro vets. The Committees are hereby directed to shut down and destroy all illicit manufacturing installations, distilleries, agro vets and chemists not within the approved list of licensed enterprises within 10 days of this directive,” he added.
“County Security Committee Members will be held liable and subject to disciplinary action where an unlicensed manufacturing installation, distillery, agrovet or chemist is found operating in their respective jurisdiction.”
“Community and neighbourhood committees and members of the public are invited to support this initiative through the designated toll-free line: 1192. Officers will be available to receive any complaints and concerns relating to the manufacture, trade, transportation, storage and consumption of illegal alcohol, drugs and other substances,” he added.
All licenses and certification permits for second-generation alcohol and alcoholic beverage distillers and manufacturers issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority and Kenya Bureau of Standards have been suspended immediately.
Also, all existing valid licenses will be vetted afresh within 21 days of the directive, with premises approved to resume operations only upon receipt of fresh approval.
