Kindiki Orders Closure Of All Bars, Clubs Within Homes & Schools

This was among a series of measures aimed at regulating the alcohol sector within the country.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Mar 6, 2024 - 09:12 Updated: Mar 6, 2024 - 11:28
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Kindiki Orders Closure Of All Bars, Clubs Within Homes & Schools
Interior CS Kithure Kindiki during a past address at Harambee House. /MINISTRY OF INTERIOR

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has directed the shutdown of all bars and clubs within residential areas and schools, effective immediately.

While addressing the nation on Wednesday, March 6, the CS announced that he revoked the licences of the facilities currently operating within the aforementioned areas.

"Any licences currently issued to bars and other outlets, premises by county governments that are contrary to the provisions of the Alcoholic Drinks and Control Act, especially as relates to licensing premises within residential areas and around basic education institutions are declared null and void.

"County security teams are to secure and shut down and seize such premises with immediate effect," he directed.

This was among a series of measures aimed at regulating the alcohol sector within the country.

He also announced that the government had revoked all the licences for companies that manufacture and distribute second-generation liquor.

He also indicated that the licences of the companies would be reviewed and issued afresh following the introduction of new guidelines which include the establishment of special laboratories in the factories.

The CS also hinted at plans by the government to introduce taxes on liquor based on the alcoholic content to cut down on the proliferation of illicit brew.

"The National Treasury is urged to fastrack the harmonisation of custom and excise duty of ethanol with the EAC region to prevent arbitrage within 45 days.

"Further within 60 days, the national treasury shall conclude taxation p[proposals towards the incorporation of a model of taxation based on alcoholic content and review the taxation of beer and other non -spirituous drinks to mitigate the risk of harmful effect," he directed.

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