Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced that the government will revoke licenses of alcohol businesses and factories in Nairobi and Kiambu counties involved in the manufacture and sale of illicit alcohol.
Speaking in Kiambu Town on Monday, August 18, Murkomen said he will meet with security heads from both counties to plan the crackdown. He warned that, despite previously granting licenses for lawful operations, some businesses have returned to illegal alcohol production, endangering citizens’ health and safety.
“When we take action against illegal alcohol in Kiambu, we have to also do it in Nairobi. Some licensed operators are now making illegal alcohol,” Murkomen stated.
He emphasised that the government will take stern action against all licensed outlets involved in illegal alcohol and will pursue legal measures against shops selling illicit products.
Murkomen also urged the county governments to tighten licensing requirements to ensure only responsible individuals operate alcohol outlets. He noted the proliferation of alcohol outlets in Kiambu, sometimes exceeding even the number of hotels, and called on authorities to address the trend.
Highlighting concerns over rising drug abuse near educational institutions in Kiambu, Murkomen said the government will engage with school and college stakeholders to curb drug distribution.
“In these counties, cannabis sativa—especially the edible variety disguised as food—is prevalent around tertiary institutions. I have directed sub-county security committees to involve school leadership to protect students,” he said.
The CS added that the government will intensify action against security personnel colluding with illegal alcohol and drug networks. The National Police Service (NPS) will also implement measures, including shorter transfers for officers, to prevent collusion.
Murkomen concluded that security heads who demonstrate effective efforts against drug and illicit alcohol cartels will be supported and rewarded through promotions or other incentives.
