The Cabinet yesterday endorsed measures the government has taken in the fight against illegal brews and narcotic drugs.

These measures, announced by the Interior ministry, include a 21-day suspension of all the 52 licences and permits issued to manufacturers and distillers of second generation alcohol, revocation of all bar licences issued by counties against the law and an audit of conflict of interest within the ranks of enforcement agencies.

Other measures include nationwide crackdown on the sale, transportation, distribution and consumption of illicit brews and narcotic drugs.

The Cabinet resolved that any public officials who resist these measures on the fight against illicit brews and drugs will be violating Chapter Six of the Constitution and the laws on conflict of interest.

These include officials in the National Police Service, National Administration, Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, public health and public prosecution.

The Cabinet was informed that since the Interior ministry started implementing these measures, 2,393 non-compliant premises, 359 pharmacies and chemists and 452 agro-vets have been closed.

At a meeting chaired by President William Ruto at State House Nairobi, the Cabinet was informed that 5,835 raids on illicit and narcotic premises have been conducted, 289,390 litres of illicit brews and 13,198 litres of counterfeit alcohol have been netted.

Additionally, seven vessels for trafficking drugs, 3,603 rolls of bhang and 44 stones have been seized.

Noting the increased cases of addiction to alcohol and drugs, the Cabinet directed the Ministry of Health to prepare a framework for rehabilitation wards in all Level 5 hospitals.

The ministry was also directed to closely work with county governments and ensure each county has a rehabilitation centre.