24 second-generation alcohol distillers fail multi-agency vetting » Capital News
NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 5 — The Government has extended the suspension of 24 manufacturers and distillers of second-generation alcohol over non-compliance following fresh vetting of their operations.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki Friday said the distillers will remain suspended until they satisfactorily address the compliance issues cited within 21 days effective Monday, April 8.
The entities affected include: Keroche Breweries Limited, Two Cousins Distillers Limited, Corobus Africa Products Limited, Lyniber Supplies Limited, Elle Kenya Limited, Zheng Hong (K) Limited, Rift Valley Brewing Company – Thika, Africa Spirit Limited, and Manchester Distillers Limited.
“The specific areas of non-compliance and the twenty-one (21) day notice to comply will be relayed to each of the affected entities, on Monday, April 8, 2024, through the Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, with copies to all relevant government agencies for supervision of this directive,” Kindiki said.
The vetting, conducted on a total of 29 active manufacturers and distillers, formed part of the government’s 25-point enforcement programme to combat illicit alcohol and drug abuse, announced on March 6.
Only two entities — Kenya Nut Company Limited and UDV — met the required standards.
A multi-agency vetting team found three distillers partially compliant, Kindiki ordering their resumption of operations upon adhering to specific compliance demands.
National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS), the Anti-Counterfeit Agency (ACA), the Public Health Department, the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), and the Department of Weights and Measures conducted the vetting process.
Kindiki lauded the agencies, public officers and manufacturers and distillers of second-generation alcohol for their cooperation throughout the vetting exercise.
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