By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
Only two companies involved in manufacture and distillation of second generation alcohol are fully compliant with all agencies, the government has announced.
The two, Kenya Nut Company Limited and UDV have consequently been allowed to resume production forthwith.
In a statement on Saturday, Interior and National Coordination Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki said three other manufacturers were found to be compliant.
However, they will only resume production subject to meeting the specified conditions.
Kindiki listed the three as Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL), Savanna Brands Company Limited, and Patiala Distillers Kenya Limited.
But the rest of the companies yet to be compliant will have their licences remain suspended.
Those that remain suspended, according to the Ministry of Interior are 24.
Among those listed as yet to be compliant include Keroche Breweries Limited, London Distillers, Lodiani Water Spring, Africa Spirit Limited and Agro Chemicals and Food Processing Company.
“The specific areas of non-compliance and the twenty-one (21) day notice to comply will be relayed to each of the affected entities on Monday, April 8, 2024 through the Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, with copies to all relevant Government Agencies for supervision of this directive,” the ministry said.
The government in March 6, 2024 suspended licences for all second generation manufacturers and distillers in a move that was aimed at suppressing manufacture, sale, distribution and consumption of illicit alcohol, narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in the Country.
A further directive was issued for fresh vetting to be undertaken within twenty-one (21) days to ensure compliance of establishments with security, safety, health, labour, environmental and other standards as defined in relevant National laws.
“All the twenty-nine (29) active manufacturers and distillers of second-generation alcohol were vetted,” CS Kindiki said in the statement.
The Multi-Agency team was comprised of the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and NEMA among others.
