Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki has announced that the government has shut down at least 9,500 unlicensed bars nationwide in the ongoing crackdown against illicit liquor and drugs.
Additionally, 4,800 establishments selling alcohol in close proximity to basic education institutions have also been closed and their licenses revoked.
Kindiki highlighted the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act’s provision, which prohibits the sale of alcohol within 300 meters of a basic learning institution to protect children from exposure to alcohol and other substances at a young age.
Speaking on Friday in Matungulu, Machakos County, the CS revealed that 12 distilleries operating unlawfully and producing hazardous alcoholic beverages across the country have also been closed down.
Kindiki emphasized that licenses for manufacturers of second-generation alcoholic beverages remain suspended, with production prohibited until security and compliance checks are completed by the end of the month.
“We are not going to allow those premises to resume their illegal activity; the crackdown and enforcement measures program continues. I have said we have a 25-point plan to deal with this problem,” stated Kindiki.
