Kenya Revenue Authority introduces devices to identify counterfeit liquor

Murang'a County Commissioner Ms Kula Hache showing the media and senior security officers how a Validator from Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) works to detect fake stickers in products on sale. [PHOTO: BONIFACE GIKANDI/STANDARD]

MURANGA: The county has received devices from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) that can be used to help identify counterfeit liquor.

Known as validators, the gadgets were introduced in the region on Wednesday and senior security officers were trained to use them.

County Commissioner Kula Hache said the validators would be distributed across the county and used to determine the authenticity of KRA stickers displayed on liquor brands.

Speaking in her office when she received the validators, the commissioner said police officers would conduct random checks in the region to ensure all brands in circulation were genuine.

"This is one of the strategies to ensure products in the market are fit for human consumption. Those found distributing counterfeits will be arrested and prosecuted," she said.

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Ms Hache faulted the county government for failing to establish a liquor licensing committee, saying this had hampered police efforts to take appropriate action on operators flouting the law.

"We need a system that makes consultations possible before licences are issued. Some of these outlets have been allowed to operate as night clubs without the knowledge of law enforcers," she said, and asked the county government to share information on the number of licensed outlets.