A government audit has revealed that a majority of alcohol manufacturers in Kenya have been producing products which are below the required industry standards.

In a statement on Friday, Interior CS Prof Kithure Kindiki said that out of 29 distillers vetted for the production of second-hand generation alcohol, only two—Kenya Nut Company and United Distillers Vintners (UDV)—have met the stringent regulatory requirement set forth by the authorities.

This expose underscores a troubling reality that millions of alcohol consumers in Kenya might have been unknowingly consuming illicit liquor, posing serious risks to their health and safety.

The audit, carried out by a multi-agency team, is part of the ongoing efforts by the government to clamp down on the rampant production, distribution and consumption of substandard alcoholic beverages.

The CS also announced that three additional companies—Kenya Wine Agencies Ltd (KWAL), Savanna Brands Company Ltd, and Patiala Distillers Kenya Ltd—are on the cusp of receiving approval to continue their operations, pending the fulfillment of specific criteria.

KWAL will for instance be required to undertake verification and approval of a new model for a transmitter flowmeters related to offloading and dispatch processes.

For Savanna Brands, the distiller has been tasked with producing valid calibration certificates for the GC machine and ensuring the payment of the standard levy. The ministry ordered Patiala Distillers to resolve its dispute with KEBS and obtain a positive noise level measurement report from the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services.

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Keroche Breweries risks closure

For the other 24 distillers spread across Kenya, trouble brews. These companies including Keroche Breweries Ltd owned by Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja have been given 21-day ultimatum, effective Monday, April 8, 2024, to adhere to the stipulated guidelines or face cancellation of their licenses.

The list of those at risk include Two Cousins Distillers Ltd, London Distillers Kenya Ltd, Corobus Africa Products Ltd, Lyniber Supplies Ltd, Elle Kenya Ltd, Zheng Hong (K) Ltd, and Rift Valley Brewing Company (Thika).

Others are FRM EA Packers Ltd, Manchester Distillers Ltd, Kedsta Investment Ltd, and Julijo Investment Ltd, Platinum Distillers, Agro Chemicals and Food Processing Company, Crywan Enterprises, Lumat Company Ltd and Fastlane Wines and Spirits.

Also on the chopping board is Algarve Ditillers Ltd, Viva Bedida, Metro Breweries, Sabibu Beverages Africa Ltd, Lodiani Water Spring, Africa Spirits Ltd, and Mambo Leo Distillers, the statement by Prof Kindiki reads.

On March 6, the government announced a 25-point enforcement plan seeking to suppress the manufacture, sale, distribution and consumption of illicit alcohol, narcotic drugs and substances.

The vetting was undertaken by Nacada, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the Kenya Revenue Authority, the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services, anti-counterfeit authority, public health department, the department of weights and measures as well as the National Environmental Management Authority.

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