Mass Closure: Kindiki Implements Gachagua’s Order, Shuts Down 6,000 Bars & Clubs
On the directive of Vice President Rigathi Gachagua, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki announced a major milestone in the fight against drug and alcohol abuse on Tuesday, June 13.
The Interior Ministry disclosed in a press release that a multi-agency team conducting a nationwide crackdown against the menace had shut down thousands of illegally operating bars and restaurants.
Kindiki emphasized further that the intensified fight against illicit alcohol was in line with the industry’s status as one of Kenya’s top five existential threats.
“A total of 43,708 outlets have been evaluated, with 37,713 already cleared to continue operations and 5,995 closed due to serious safety violations and failure to comply with fundamental legal requirements.
“Rift Valley has the highest compliance score, with 23,735 cleared businesses in the region. Kindiki stated that the Eastern Region and Nairobi also recorded impressive numbers, the former with 5,708 and the latter with 3,318.
The Central Region reported 1,827 cleared businesses, followed by Nyanza (1,217), the Western Region (1,153), and the Coast Region (706). North Eastern is at the bottom of the list, with 52 premises declared compliant.
The CS also disclosed that he had formed a special sub-unit to inspect liquor businesses, including ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks.
The special unit reported that more than 86 percent of the establishments inspected to date had complied with all alcohol laws and policies.
“The inspection is a precursor to a review of all licenses for the manufacture, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages in the country,” he said.
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During the crackdown, it was discovered that some investors had significantly exceeded the business activities permitted by their license categories.
Consequently, their businesses were abruptly shut down.
With the understanding that liquor licensing and drug control are among the service functions devolved to the counties, it has been established that limited enforcement capacity and loopholes in the licensing regimes of the counties are among the major obstacles in the war against the menace.
The Cabinet Secretary explained that operations will continue until cases of misappropriation of permits are appropriately addressed and suspects are brought before the court.
“However, one of the unanimous resolutions endorsed during the three stakeholders’ forums is the progressive harmonization of responses by the two levels of government, with each committing to increase the level of fulfillment of its obligations as part of the renewed efforts to crack down on the trade,” Kindiki said.
On Monday, June 12 at Chuka’s Kirubia Stadium in Tharaka Nithi County, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua issued an order to Officers Commanding Stations (OCS) and County Commissioners to end drug and alcohol abuse within their jurisdictions within ten days.
The Vice President asked the officers to choose between serving the people and obeying presidential orders, or putting their jobs at risk by accepting bribes from alcohol and drug dealers.
“We will collaborate on a strategy to end illicit brewing and substance abuse in the counties of Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Marsabit, Embu, and Isiolo. We remain steadfast in our determination to reintegrate our youth into nation-building efforts,” Gachagua said, threatening to dismiss any OCS found to be complicit.
Mass Closure: Kindiki Implements Gachagua’s Order, Shuts Down 6,000 Bars & Clubs
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