War on illicit liquor: Government begins nationwide vetting of alcohol manufacturers

Compliance operations have also been extended to the pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors, resulting in the closure of 804 chemists and pharmacies and 761 agro-vets.

The government declared the fight against illicit alcohol, drug, and substance abuse as a top national security threat early in the month.

It then introduced 25 directives aimed at initiating crackdowns, regulations, and enforcement actions.

PS Omollo reiterated that county security teams have been directed to implement the directives including shutting down all unlicensed manufacturers, distilleries, agro vets, and chemists within ten days.

All law enforcement officers involved in the alcohol trade have also been ordered to immediately cease, owing to conflict of interest and because "It is in violation of the Public Officer Ethics Act and the Constitution. "

As it stands, all licenses for second-generation alcohol distillers and manufacturers were suspended, pending the vetting process