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The Ministry of Interior has confirmed that it has allowed 13 manufacturers and distillers of second-generation alcohol to resume operations in the country.

On March 6, 2024, the government announced a 25-point enforcement programme for the suppression of the manufacture, sale, distribution, and consumption of illicit alcohol, narcotic drugs, and psychotropic substances.

What followed was the immediate suspension of all licenses, permits, and authorizations for the manufacture and distillery of second-generation alcohol. A further directive that fresh vetting be undertaken within twenty-one days to ensure compliance of establishments with security, safety, health, labour, environmental and other standards as defined in relevant national laws was given.

“The government has allowed thirteen (13) more manufacturers and distillers of second-generation alcohol to resume operations.

“This brings the total number of manufacturers and distillers of the second-generation brew currently allowed to operate in the country to 15.

“All twenty-nine (29) active manufacturers and distillers of second-generation alcohol were vetted by a multi-agency team, and only two were found to be fully compliant,” a statement from the ministry on Sunday, July 14, read.

The Ministry confirmed that Kenya Nut Company Limited and UDV have been allowed to continue with operations after they were found to have met all the requirements in a countrywide vetting exercise.

According to the government, the licensing of 13 more alcohol manufacturers and distillers followed a comprehensive re-vetting exercise involving twenty two out of the twenty seven dealers that had failed the earlier test.

“Five manufacturers and distillers did not inform the vetting team of their compliance status within the 21 days in line with the notice issued to them and were not involved in the May re-vetting exercise and included Metro Breweries Limited, Fastlane Wines and Spirits, Keroche Brewery Limited, Africa Spirit Limited, and Lodiani Water Springs Limited,” it added.

Test passed

Patiala Distillers Kenya Limited, Savannah Brands Company Limited, Kenya Wine Agencies Limited, Manchester Distillers Limited, FRM EA Packers Limited, and Corobus Africa Products Limited are among the 13 alcohol firms that passed the rigorous test during the re-vetting exercise.

Others are Zheng Hong (K) Limited, Two Cousins Distillers Limited, Lyniber Supplies Limited, Elle Kenya Limited, Agro Chemical and Food Co. Limited, Crywan Enterprises, and London Distiller Kenya Limited.

The nine alcohol manufacturers and distillers found to have not fully complied with the requirements are Rift Valley Brewing Company, Platinum Distillers Limited, Lumat Company Limited, Julijo Investment (K) Limited, Kedsta Investment Limited, Viva Bebida Limited, Sabibu Beverages Africa Limited, Mamboleo Distillers Limited, and Algarve Distillers Limited.

“The nine have been informed of their shortcomings and have been asked to address them,” it stated.

State Department for Internal Security and National Administration, National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) are the state agencies that undertook the vetting process.

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