CS Kuria Warns: Any 250ml Liquor Bottle Below Ksh.250 is Illicit!
Moses Kuria, cabinet secretary for trade, has declared that any 250ml bottle of alcoholic beverage sold for less than Ksh.250 is illegal.
During a multi-agency meeting on Monday at Kirubia Stadium in Tharaka Nithi County, CS Kuria stated that the move will help curb the nation’s escalating alcohol consumption and reduce the production of counterfeit beverages.
It is illegal to sell 250 milliliters of wine or liquor for less than Ksh.250, he said.
“We have done the math with the KRA and understand the fundamental structure, so anyone selling alcohol for less than Ksh.250 should be treated as a suspect immediately.”
CS Kuria added that he has already provided a communiqué to the Finance Committee in parliament to that effect.
Likewise, he and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) acting commissioner general Risper Simiyu have agreed to publish the agreed-upon prices.
“I’ve already informed the Finance and Lodging Committee that no wine or spirit should sell a 250ml bottle below its cost price,” he said.
The KRA will periodically release this cost price information.
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The Trade CS has advised liquor consumers who will be affected by the price change to switch to milk, as it is less expensive and promotes a healthier lifestyle.
Even if you complain that alcoholic beverages are expensive, it is acceptable because milk is cheaper. If you believe that Ksh.250 is too expensive, begin drinking milk.”
The sentiments of CS Kuria coincide with an ambitious national crackdown on alcohol consumption led by Vice President Rigathi Gachagua.
According to the most recent data from NACADA, the Western region of Kenya has the highest prevalence of alcoholism at 23.8%, followed by the Coastal region at 13.9% and the Central region at 12.8%.
In terms of alcohol consumption, Western has the highest incidence of chang’aa and traditional brew consumption, while Central leads in the use of potable spirits (4.1%), followed by Coast (3.2%), and Rift Valley (3%);
At 11.9%, the Central region had the highest prevalence of current tobacco use, followed by the Coast (10.8%) and the East (10.8%).
CS Kuria Warns: Any 250ml Liquor Bottle Below Ksh.250 is Illicit!
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