The government has declared drugs and substance abuse a major national security threat.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki said drugs and substances are a threat to public health across the country.
“Every household in Kenya today hosts and can relate to incidences of alcohol and drug abuse,” he said.
Kindiki said this is a grave concern but also an existential threat in Kenya.
“These brews, drugs and substances are directly and negatively impacting Kenya's economic growth and development which is now ruining lives and livelihoods occasioning family disintegration,” he said.
He said the impact of these substances is spreading diseases including HIV and AIDS.
“Brews that are illegal and drugs are now a major national security threat and a threat to public health across the country. Every Kenyan household hosts and can relate to this,” he said.
"If your family has been spared, your neighbour's family has not been spared."
Kindiki further suspended licences for all manufacturers of second-generation alcohol.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Wednesday said that they will have to apply afresh for the license.
"Pursuant to section 4(2)k of Preservation of Public Security Act, all licences and certification permits for second-generation alcohol and alcoholic beverage distillers and manufacturers, issued by Kenya Revenue Authority and Kenya Bureau of Standards stand suspended with immediate effect."
In addition, to that, all existing valid licences will be vetted afresh within 21 days.
