Kindiki Orders Fresh Vetting of Alcohol Manufacturers in Kenya

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced a fresh vetting exercise targeting all alcoholic beverage manufacturers operating in Kenya as the government intensifies efforts to eliminate illicit and harmful drinks from the market.

Speaking in Nyambari, Lari Constituency, Kiambu County, on October 5, 2026, Kindiki said the exercise would establish whether manufacturers are complying with the required health, safety and quality standards.

He expressed concern over the continued circulation of alcoholic drinks allegedly containing dangerous chemicals, warning that such products pose serious health risks, particularly to young people.

Kindiki said the government would revisit the licensing of alcohol manufacturers, including those previously approved to operate, to identify businesses that may have violated existing regulations.

He noted that some manufacturers previously flagged by authorities had allegedly continued producing harmful alcoholic beverages, raising concerns about the effectiveness of earlier enforcement measures.

The Deputy President said he would convene a meeting bringing together the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, the Ministry of Interior, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to coordinate the renewed crackdown.

The exercise is expected to focus on compliance with licensing requirements and the standards governing the production and distribution of alcoholic beverages.

Kindiki also urged political leaders to avoid turning the campaign against illicit alcohol into a political contest, insisting that the issue should be handled by government enforcement agencies and public health authorities.

He argued that protecting Kenyans from dangerous alcoholic drinks should remain a national security and public health priority rather than a subject of political rivalry.

The announcement comes amid renewed government efforts to curb the manufacture and sale of illicit alcohol, with authorities under pressure to strengthen inspections and enforcement against those involved in the trade.

Kindiki made the remarks while inspecting ongoing national government development projects in Lari Constituency, where he also defended the administration’s development record and called on residents to focus on the progress of infrastructure projects.