As Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua advocates for reforms and improved control of the alcoholic production business, the Ministry of Interior has intensified its surveillance of public officials operating bars and clubs.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo restated the need for all public servants to down bars and clubs or resign from their jobs in a letter dated March 13 sent to all heads of departments.
He clarified that the changes were a component of extensive initiatives unveiled by Interior Chief Secretary Kithure Kindiki to eliminate illegal alcohol, narcotics, and illegal drug use in the nation.
PS also issued a letter, forwarded to Kindiki and the Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, stating, “It was noted that the current level of trade, consumption, and abuse of drugs and illicit alcohol in the country is a national security threat.”
“In addition, any public servants who are now running bars must close them down or leave their positions immediately. The Public Service Commission and other organisations will cross-reference to verify compliance.”
Targeted state employees include those who work for the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), two organizations that are involved in enforcement.
The National Police Service (NPS), Public Health, National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO), and the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) are the others.
The regulation comes after a press conference two weeks ago when Kindiki issued 25 strict guidelines that impacted every link in the supply chain for alcoholic drinks, from the makers to the consumers.
All second-generation alcohol and alcoholic beverage distillers’ and manufacturers’ licences and certification certificates granted by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) were stopped by the CS.
After that, the producers had to reapply for new licences and install gas chromatography and flame ionisation detectors in their Quality Control (QC) labs (FID).
“County governments’ present licences to bars and other establishments that violate the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act’s regulations, particularly those about licencing of establishments in residential areas and near elementary schools, are invalid. Kindiki ordered County Security Teams to ensure the prompt closure and seizure of such properties.
Two weeks before, the CS and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua convened in Mombasa to discuss reducing teenage addiction. During the meeting, the CS accused some elected officials of having ties to drug traffickers.
The campaign was stepped up after 17 people were murdered on Mount Kenya by illegal alcohol.