Kindiki orders strict adherence to 25-point manual on liquor control » Capital News
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 18 — Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has ordered security managers countrywide to ensure strict compliance and enforcement of the 25-point policy and operational guidelines on March 6 to combat alcohol and drug abuse.
Kindiki warned security chiefs would be personally accountable for any lapses in eliminating harmful substances within their jurisdictions.
The policies include the suspension of, and certification of permits for second-generation alcohol and alcoholic beverage distillers and manufacturers, the directive for all alcohol manufacturers to establish and document all traders in their distribution chain, and the deregistration of all licensed pharmacists and veterinary doctors dispensing prescriptions drugs without prescription.
Speaking during an early morning consultative meeting with the Kericho County Security and Intelligence Committee, led by County Commissioner Gabriel Kitiyo, Kindiki underscored the urgency of a nationwide crackdown on the production, distribution, sale, and consumption of illicit liquor, narcotic drugs, and psychotropic substances.
The Interior CS reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating drug and alcohol abuse, which he identified as a significant threat to national security and the well-being of future generations.
“The manufacture, sale, and consumption of illicit alcohol and narcotic drugs is an existential National Security threat that the Government is determined to permanently eradicate, by suppressing the supply chain for the dangerous substances,” he said.
Addressing the alarming prevalence of drug and alcohol abuse in Nandi County during a similar session with security officials, Kindiki highlighted its adverse effects on socio-economic development and law enforcement efforts, as well as school attendance rates in Rift Valley County.
He urged Nandi’s security and law enforcement teams to develop a tailored program to combat the menace of drugs, substances, and illicit alcohol, aiming to dismantle both the supply and demand chains.
Transfer policy
Kindiki emphasized the strict enforcement of the three-year transfer policy for law enforcement and security officers, prohibiting any involvement in alcohol businesses, even if legitimate.
The Interior CS also issued a stern warning against public officials found colluding with drug peddlers or illicit brewers, stressing severe consequences for such actions.
On March 6, the government ordered public officers owning and operating bars to shut them down or resign.
CS Kindiki said such actions go against the Public Ethics Act.
He explained that the Public Service Commission (PSC), the National Police Service Commission (NPSC), and other relevant agencies will examine staff records to ensure compliance.
“Further, and in line with the Public Ethics Act, all public officers in the enforcement/compliance chain (KRA, KEBS, ACA, Public Health, NACADA, NGAO, NPS) shall not own and operate a bar directly or via proxy,” he said.
Kindiki also vowed sactions against landlords and property owners who lease space for the construction of bars or wine and spirits stores in prohibited locations.
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