- The CS said that the ethanol will be marked with a denaturing agent called denatonium benzoate.
- Kindiki ordered a nationwide crackdown on all village bars across the country on February 16
Image: MINA
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has ordered the Kenya Bureau of Standards to ensure ethanol is denatured within 45 days.
He said the ethanol will be marked with a denaturing agent called denatonium benzoate to prevent diversion or accidental use in alcohol manufacture.
A denaturing agent is a substance that disrupts the natural structure causing it to lose its original function.
“Kebs shall ensure that within 45 days, all industrial ethanol is denatured or marked with a denaturing agent known as denatonium benzoate; to prevent diversion or accidental use of industrial ethanol in alcohol manufacture,” he said.
Kindiki ordered a nationwide crackdown on all village bars across the country on February 16 in response to the tragic deaths of over 13 individuals in Kirinyaga who died after consuming illicit brew.
During a press briefing, he issued a directive to county commissioners and law enforcement agencies nationwide, instructing them to promptly close outlets engaged in the sale of illicit brew.
"I have directed the relevant officials to close all outlets that are selling alcohol in the villages because there are people who have set up alcoholic establishments in the middle of villages, and this is what has ruined very many families," he said.
At the same time, the CS also directed the county security teams to liaise with county governments to review the licences of all bars and to shut down all unlicensed outlets.
"We cannot have people have licences to operate paths in villages, because this is what is affecting very many families," he said.
However, Kindiki in a press briefing on Wednesday said that no bars or liquor-selling establishments will be allowed to operate beyond the set, operating hours.
The perpetrators, he said will be fined or imprisoned as stipulated by law.
"No bars or alcoholic outlets shall be allowed to operate beyond the stipulated operation hours as provided in section 34 of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act," the CS said.
"Failure to which the operator shall be fined or imprisoned as provided by law and all the drinks, and related accessories in the premises forfeited with accompanying license withdrawal."