Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has directed county security teams across the country to shut down all alcoholic outlets within residential areas with immediate effect.
Speaking on Wednesday, March 6 during the announcement of measures against illicit alcohol brews in Karen, Nairobi, CS Kindiki said the licenses of the outlets are null and void.
“Any licenses currently issued to bars and any other outlets by county governments that are contrary to the provisions of the Alcoholic drinks and Control Act especially as relating to licensing premises within residential areas and around basic education institutions are declared null and void. County security teams are to secure and shut down and seize such premises with immediate effect,” Kindiki ordered.
CS Kindiki noted that all landlords shall be deemed aiders and abettors of illicit alcohol and be held liable for renting out space for the establishment of bars and wines and spirits outlets in prohibited areas under section 20(c) of the Penal Code.
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At the same time, the Interior CS announced the revocation of all licenses and certification permits for second-generation alcohol and alcoholic beverage distillers and manufacturers, issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
Kindiki noted that the licenses will be vetted afresh by the government within twenty-one days.
“All existing valid licenses will be vetted afresh within 21 days of this directive, with premises approved to resume operations only upon receipt of fresh approval,” said Kindiki.
He invited all alcoholic beverage distillers and manufacturers to a meeting that would be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.
Further, CS Kindiki pointed out that the importation, manufacture, sale, use, advertisement, promotion, or distribution of shisha is outlawed in the country and any establishment found to be in breach of law would be shut down with immediate effect.
