The government is preparing new laws to crack down on manufacturers, distributors and individuals linked to illicit alcohol and drug cartels supplying dangerous alcoholic drinks to the public.
In a statement on Wednesday, October 21, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the proposed legal changes would strengthen the fight against criminal networks involved in the production and distribution of chemical-laced alcoholic beverages.
Kindiki reported that multi-agency security operations had intensified over the past 10 days, resulting in nine raids targeting illicit ethanol and 116 additional operations against illegal brews produced without meeting public health and quality standards.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. Photo: Courtesy.
The Deputy President said the government had finalised legislative proposals to tighten regulations and increase pressure on individuals and businesses facilitating the illegal trade.
He added that coordination between regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies had improved, while authorities planned to introduce a framework for involving local communities in the crackdown next week.
Kindiki also announced the establishment of a permanent coordination mechanism at Harambee House Annex to bring together state agencies and national government representatives in the fight against illicit alcohol and drug trafficking.
The government further plans to target the financial resources sustaining criminal networks through asset forfeiture, seizure and confiscation of funds linked to the illegal trade.
According to Kindiki, the proposed measures would weaken the cartels by disrupting their financial operations and depriving them of the resources they use to sustain their activities.
The government intends to channel proceeds recovered from seized assets and confiscated funds towards rehabilitating people battling addiction.
Meanwhile, the administration plans to formalise and license traditional alcoholic brews that comply with standards set by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
The measures form part of the government’s broader efforts to curb the manufacture and distribution of unsafe alcoholic drinks, dismantle criminal networks and protect members of the public from the harmful effects of illicit substances.
