Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced that the government will withdraw licenses from all alcohol outlets and factories in Kiambu and Nairobi found selling or producing illicit brews.

Speaking in Kiambu Town on Monday, August 18, Murkomen said he plans to meet with security chiefs from both counties to map out the crackdown.

He noted that while the government had initially allowed these businesses to operate legitimately, many have since reverted to producing and distributing illegal alcohol—a worrying trend that he said endangers the health and safety of residents in the two counties.

“When we take action against illegal alcohol in Kiambu, we have to also do it in Nairobi, and there are some people in Nairobi and Kiambu who have licenses to sell and manufacture alcohol, but they are now making illegal alcohol,” Murkomen said.

“I would like to issue a stern warning to all those who have licenses to make and sell illegal alcohol, which is affecting Kenyans; we will revoke the licenses. We will also take legal action against the shops that are selling illegal alcohol in Kiambu and Nairobi.”

“The county governments should also be vigilant because, for example, here in Kiambu, you find that in some places there are more alcohol sales points than even hotels; the county must rectify this trend,” Murkomen said.

Recognizing the rising cases of drug abuse near learning institutions in Kiambu County, Murkomen stated that the government will work with education stakeholders in the area to help stop the circulation of drugs around schools.

“In these counties, we have cannabis sativa, especially the edible one that is sold in the disguise of food and is prevalent around tertiary institutions. And I have directed the subcounty security committees to ensure that they incorporate the leadership of these institutions to ensure that the students are protected,” Murkomen said.

Murkomen added that the government will intensify its crackdown on security chiefs found colluding with businesses involved in the distribution of illicit alcohol in their jurisdictions.

He explained that the National Police Service (NPS) will also introduce new measures to shorten the duration officers serve in one area, reducing the chances of them getting too familiar with their surroundings and forming alliances with drug traffickers.

At the same time, Murkomen assured that security heads who show genuine commitment in dismantling drug networks will be recognized and rewarded—either through promotions or other forms of recognition.