Thirteen additional manufacturers of second-generation alcohol have been granted government approval to resume their operations. This increases the total number of permitted firms to 15, while nine others are still in the process of meeting all requirements.
On March 6, the government introduced a 25-point enforcement program aimed at reducing the production, sale, distribution, and consumption of illicit alcohol, narcotic drugs, and psychotropic substances across the country.
As part of this initiative, all licenses, permits, and authorizations for second-generation alcohol production were immediately suspended. A comprehensive re-vetting exercise was then conducted over a 21-day period to ensure compliance with security, safety, health, labor, environmental, and other national standards.
Following the nationwide vetting conducted from March 18 to March 21, 2024, a multi-agency team found only two manufacturers fully compliant: Kenya Nut Company Limited and UDV. These two were permitted to continue their operations.
The 13 additional alcohol firms that passed the re-vetting exercise include Patiala Distillers Kenya Limited, Savannah Brands Company Limited, Kenya Wine Agencies Limited, Manchester Distillers Limited, FRM EA Packers Limited, and Corobus Africa Products Limited.
Others are 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.
Ministry said nine companies, including 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 are yet to comply with regulations.
