MP proposes bill spelling stricter penalties for repeat offenders
Gatanga Member of Parliament (MP) Muriu Wakili has proposed a bill which seeks to impose stricter penalties for repeat offenders in the manufacture of illicit alcohol in the country.
While presenting the proposed bill before the National Assembly’s committee on administration and national security on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, Muriu indicated that there is a need to introduce a tier system in the penalties of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act.
“The Bill seeks to amend the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act (Cap. 121) by introducing a system of graduated penalties for repeat offenders involved in the production, distribution, or sale of alcoholic beverages in contravention of Sections 27, 32, and 38 of the Act,” a statement from the committee revealed.
“Specifically, the proposal outlines stricter, tiered penalties based on whether the offender is committing a first, second, or subsequent offence.”
Dangerously cheap
In his presentation, Muriu observed that a huge majority of outlets selling unregulated alcoholic beverages were operating by licences issued by county governments.
“Muriu expressed concern over the widespread sale of illicit brews in the country, noting that these unregulated alcoholic products are dangerously cheap, yet pose severe health and social risks. He further highlighted that many establishments peddling such brews operate under licenses issued by County Governments,” the committee noted.
The committee, chaired by Saku MP Dido Raso, urged Muriu to strengthen the bill before presenting it back to the committee for consideration.
The development comes against the backdrop of a sustained crackdown on illicit brews by the National Police Service.
Intensified crackdown
Police officers have confiscated thousands of litres of illicit brews and arrested dozens of people involved with the production of the alcohol around the country.
While reports indicate that a majority of counterfeit alcohol is produced by industrial-scale producers illegally, a significant portion of the liquor is made by artisanal brewers.
A recent report commissioned by the Alcoholic Beverage Association of Kenya (ABAK) revealed that illicit alcohol accounts for over 60 per cent of all alcohol consumed in the country.
While this figure includes Muratina and chang’aa brewed by artisanal brewers, a significant chunk of the illicit alcohol comes from large-scale illegal operations manufacturing fake spirits and other alcohol brands.
While the government is projected to be losing billions in tax revenue from the sale of illicit alcohol, Eric Githua, chairperson of ABAK, notes that illicit alcohol makes the country unattractive for potential investors.
