NAIROBI, Kenya- The government’s latest move to combat illicit alcohol has seen a significant shift in the landscape of legal alcohol production.
Thirteen additional manufacturers and distillers of second-generation alcohol have been given the green light to resume operations, bringing the total to 15 approved entities across the country.
This comes after a rigorous vetting process aimed at ensuring compliance with national standards for safety, health, and legality.
Back on March 6, 2024, the government unveiled an ambitious 25-point plan to clamp down on the manufacture, sale, distribution, and consumption of illicit alcohol, narcotic drugs, and psychotropic substances.
This comprehensive enforcement program included the immediate suspension of all licenses, permits, and authorizations for the production of second-generation alcohol.
The directive mandated a fresh vetting process within 21 days to ensure all establishments met stringent national laws covering security, safety, health, labor, and environmental standards.
The initial vetting, carried out by a multi-agency team, revealed that only two out of 29 active manufacturers were fully compliant: Kenya Nut Company Limited and UDV. These two companies were allowed to continue operations after passing the countrywide vetting conducted between March 18 and March 21, 2024.
In a subsequent re-vetting exercise, the government revisited 22 out of the 27 manufacturers that had previously failed.
As a result, 13 more companies met the compliance standards and were approved to resume operations.
The newly approved companies include 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.
However, the vetting process also identified nine manufacturers that did not fully meet the required standards. These companies—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—have been notified of their shortcomings and are required to address them to comply with national regulations.
With continued vigilance and compliance, the landscape of alcohol production in the country is set to become more secure and reliable for all stakeholders involved.
