The government has announced plans to formalise and license traditional alcoholic drinks that meet Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) requirements as it steps up its crackdown on illicit alcohol.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced the plan on Wednesday, October 21, saying compliant traditional brews would soon be allowed to operate legally.
“Traditional brews that meet the Kenya Bureau of Standards requirements will be formalised and licensed,” Kindiki said during a meeting with relevant security agencies at his Karen residence in Nairobi.
He said the government had finalised legislative proposals targeting manufacturers, distributors and other people involved in supplying dangerous alcoholic drinks across Kenya.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during the 5th Joint Cabinet Committee on discharge of Government Business on October 13, 2026, at his Karen Residence
DPPS
Kindiki reiterated that the proposed law would allow authorities to seize assets and confiscate funds linked to illicit alcohol and drug cartels, with the proceeds used to fund addiction rehabilitation programmes.
“The government has finalised legislative proposals that will tighten the noose on manufacturers, distributors and enablers of ethanol and drug cartels that are supplying dangerous chemical-laced drinks,” he added.
According to the DP, a multi-agency team had conducted nine raids targeting illicit ethanol and 116 other operations against illegal brews in the past 10 days.
He said the government has also established a permanent coordination mechanism at Harambee House Annex to bring together agencies involved in the fight against illicit alcohol and drugs.
“Coordination among regulatory and enforcement agencies has been enhanced, and a framework for engaging local communities in this fight is set to be released next week,” Kindiki disclosed.
The crackdown follows longstanding concerns over unsafe alcoholic drinks, which have been linked to poisoning, serious illnesses and deaths in different parts of the country.
Traditional brews form part of Kenya’s cultural heritage, with muratina commonly associated with the Kikuyu community and busaa traditionally prepared from grains in Nyanza and Western Kenya.
However, producers will have to meet several applicable safety and quality standards before their drinks can qualify for formal licensing under the proposed plan.
“We remain focused and make sure we complete the journey, and we are not fighting against businesses or the industry but just protecting the nation against collapse,” Kindiki said.
Alcoholic drinks and a burning cigarette
Photo
American chemical society