The Ministry of Interior and National Administration (MINA) has finally announced the process of vetting and clearing alcohol manufacturers in Kenya.
This follows the constitution of a multiagency team to take charge of the process.
The team comprises representatives from the office of the deputy president, state departments for Interior and National administration, Public Health and Professional Standards, Trade, as well as Labour and Skills Development.
It also includes representatives from Nacada, Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, Anti Counterfeit Authority, and Nema.
The move was also part of the government’s 25 measures announced to curb the sale of illicit brews and drugs in the country.
Some of the measures included the closure of alcohol manufacturing plants and the suspension of licences.
The government has stepped up the fight against the sale of illicit alcohol in the country following recent incidents that saw over 20 people lose their lives in Kirinyaga.
The process:
A manufacturer will first receive a letter confirming an inspection visit by the vetting team.
KRA will then Break the Seal of the Closed Production Unit. According to the ministry, this will help in ensuring that the production process has been closed as directed and is secure.
The vetting team will then conduct a thorough tour of the premises to inspect the production facilities, storage areas, and overall operational setup at each production facility.
Each of the regulatory agencies in the multiagency team will also have a role to play in the inspection.
The Ministry of Interior said KEBS will focus on ensuring the products meet the required quality and safety standards, while KRA will focus on each facility’s compliance with set tax regulations.
The state department representatives for Public health will look at aspects of hygiene, washroom facilities, and health certificates for employees, as his Trade counterpart will ensure certified meters are used for accurate measurement in the production process.
The Anti-Counterfeit Authority will look at the product labelling accuracy, including that records of ethanol purchases are properly maintained.
The Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services will focus on certifying certificates related to occupational safety and health standards and compliance.
The National Environment Management Authority will also inspect each facility’s environmental compliance and adherence to set waste management regulations.
