The government has suspended licenses for all manufacturers of second-generation alcohol with immediate effect.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Wednesday, March 6 said that the proprietors will now have to apply for new licenses, as the government moves to curb the war against illicit brews.
"Under section 4(2) k of Preservation of Public Security Act, all licenses and certification permits for second-generation alcohol and alcoholic beverage distillers and manufacturers, issued by Kenya Revenue Authority and Kenya Bureau of Standards stand suspended with immediate effect," he announced.
Kindiki has also ordered the fresh vetting of all existing valid licenses within 21 days, adding that his ministry will hold a meeting with the licenced manufacturers next week.
"All existing valid licences will be vetted afresh within twenty-one days of this directive, and only premises whose licenses have been approved will resume operations upon receipt of fresh approval."
Further, any bars and wines and spirits joints operating within residential areas and near schools also face immediate closure and seizure.
"Any licenses currently issued to bars and other outlets and premises by County Governments that are contrary to the provisions of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, especially as relates to licensing of premises within residential areas and around basic educational institutions are null and void," he said.
The government has also warned that any landlords and owners found renting out space to liquor joints will be held accountable.
