The controversial campaign to shut down numerous bars and breweries throughout Kenya has been justified by the government as a crucial step in their ongoing efforts to combat alcoholism and substance abuse.
Kenyan government has shut down more than 18,000 establishments and confiscated brewing equipment as part of an initiative that was implemented on March 6. Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki maintains that the government has the power to revoke licenses, and any documentation issued in violation of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act of 2010 is considered invalid.
258 suspects have been apprehended and brought to court as a result of the nationwide law enforcement initiative. Furthermore, authorities have confiscated 15 kilograms of cannabis, and a total of 22 pharmacies have been closed down.
Approximately 5,000 liquor outlets have been closed and their licenses revoked by the authorities due to their proximity to educational institutions and churches. Last Sunday, a local news agency reported that alcohol has been completely banned in the town of Karatina in Nyeri.
Meanwhile, regional governors have expressed their discontent with Nairobi’s decision to shut down bars that have obtained licenses from local authorities, resulting in a controversial campaign.
Since the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act was implemented in 2010, it has brought about strict enforcement measures such as the regulation of bar operating hours, stringent licensing requisites, and the imposition of severe penalties. Nevertheless, these laws have been openly violated since their inception.
The government has recently introduced stricter penalties for bars that remain open beyond their designated operating hours. In Kenya , bars are allowed to operate between 5pm and 11pm on weekdays, and from 2pm to 11pm on weekends. However, until recently, these regulations were not consistently enforced.
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