The government has granted approval for 13 additional manufacturers and distillers of second-generation alcohol to resume operations, increasing the total number of authorized producers to 15. This decision follows a rigorous vetting process overseen by the Ministry of Interior, aimed at curbing the production and distribution of illicit alcohol.
On March 6, 2024, the government launched a comprehensive 25-point enforcement program to tackle the illicit alcohol industry. This program mandated the immediate suspension of all licenses and permits for second-generation alcohol manufacturers, pending a fresh vetting process. The goal was to ensure compliance with security, safety, health, labor, and environmental standards as defined by national laws.
A multi-agency team, comprising 10 agencies including the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and others, conducted the vetting. Out of 29 active manufacturers, only two were initially found to be fully compliant: Kenya Nut Company Limited and UDV. These two companies were allowed to continue operations following a nationwide vetting exercise conducted between March 18 and March 21, 2024.
The recent approval of 13 additional manufacturers and distillers resulted from a re-vetting exercise involving 22 of the 27 dealers who had previously failed the initial compliance test. This re-vetting process identified the following companies as compliant: Patiala Distillers Kenya Limited, Savannah Brands Company Limited, Kenya Wine Agencies Limited, Manchester Distillers Limited, FRM EA Packers Limited, Corobus Africa Products Limited, 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.
Despite the progress, five manufacturers did not inform the vetting team of their compliance status within the required 21 days and were excluded from the re-vetting exercise. Additionally, nine alcohol manufacturers and distillers were found to have not fully met the compliance requirements.
These companies include 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. The Ministry has notified these firms of their shortcomings and has asked them to address the issues identified.
