Government shuts down 8,500 businesses
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The government through the Ministry of Interior shuts down 8,500 businesses in the war against illicit brew
The government through the Ministry of Interior shuts down 8,500 businesses in the war against illicit brew.
Principal Secretary for the Interior Raymond Omollo disclosed that 8,496 businesses had closed as the Ministry stepped up its campaign against illicit alcohol.
In an attempt to reduce the number of young people developing addictions, the PS said in a press release on Tuesday, March 19, that 6,931 establishments that sold alcoholic beverages in estates had been closed.
In the pharmaceutical sector, 804 chemists/pharmacies and 761 agro vets were closed as a result of the crackdown.
Omollo went on to say that all licenses for companies producing second-generation alcohol had been suspended and that a committee had been established to evaluate businesses.
The committee, chaired by the PS, held a consultative meeting on March 12 which was attended by 55 out of 64 alcoholic drinks manufacturers.
“The focus will be on spirit manufacturers, with over 29 premises expected to undergo examination. Already, 35 companies have been identified as having their licenses either previously suspended, canceled or found dormant,” he announced.
“The verification exercise mandates that manufacturers install quality control laboratories equipped with specialized testing apparatus and qualified personnel, ensuring rigorous scrutiny of raw materials and finished products.”
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To enhance the crackdown, the PS also directed county security teams across the country to implement the 25 directives Interior CS Kithure Kindiki issued including shutting down all unlicensed manufacturers, distilleries, agrovets, and chemists within 10 days.
“The implementation of strict product tracking systems is required to monitor alcohol distribution from source to consumer, underscoring the Government’s commitment to public health and safety,” he added.
It is estimated that the closure of the bars rendered more than 10,000 individuals jobless attracting condemnation from several leaders.
They argued that shutting down the establishment was counter-productive since the business owners did not participate in manufacturing the illicit brew.
“They have not been given the products not supposed to their shelves, and no one has compensated their licenses,” Jubilee Secretary General (SG) Jeremiah Kioni.
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