Government approves 13 more manufacturers of second-generation alcohol

Interior PS Raymond Omollo. [Elvis Ogina,Standard]

Thirteen additional manufacturers of second-generation alcohol have received government approval to resume operations.

This brings the total number of permitted firms to 15, with nine others yet to fully comply with the requirements.

On March 6, the government unveiled a 25-point enforcement program aimed at curbing the production, sale, distribution and consumption of illicit alcohol, narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances nationwide.

This included an immediate suspension of all licenses, permits and authorizations for second-generation alcohol production.

A 21-day period was then set for a comprehensive re-vetting exercise to ensure compliance with security, safety, health, labor, environmental and other national standards.

A multi-agency team vetted all 29 active manufacturers of second-generation alcohol, finding only two fully compliant: Kenya Nut Company Limited and UDV.

The two were permitted to continue operations following a nationwide vetting exercise conducted from March 18 to March 21, 2024.

The 13 alcohol firms that passed the re-vetting exercise included Patiala Distillers Kenya Limited, Savannah Brands Company Limited, Kenya Wine Agencies Limited, Manchester Distillers Limited, FRM EA Packers Limited and Corobus Africa Products Limited.

Others are Zheng Hong (K) Limited, Two Cousins Distillers Limited, Lyniber Supplies Limited, Elle Kenya Limited, Agro Chemical & Food Co. Limited, Crywan Enterprises and London Distiller Kenya Limited.

Ministry said nine companies, including Rift Valley Brewing Company, Platinum Distillers Limited, Lumat Company Limited, Julijo Investment (K) Limited, Kedsta Investment Limited, Viva Bebida Limited, Sabibu Beverages Africa Limited, Mamboleo Distillers Limited and Algarve distillers Limited are yet to comply with regulations.