Rogue brewers will be shut out of business, Nacada boss John Mututho warns

Nacada Chairman John Mututho. Be warned. Anyone caught transporting illegal drugs will have his or her vehicle impounded for ever. FILE PHOTO | BILLY MUTAI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • He said Nacada, in conjunction with other government institutions, would inspect all manufacturing plants.
  • He said Nairobi, Kisumu and Naivasha have a majority of the rogue brewers.
  • The Nacada boss said brewers of illicit liquor are known to take advantage of the festive season to sell their products.
  • Mr Mututho expressed satisfaction with the Vinepack products saying the brewing process had met the set standards.

Manufacturers of alcoholic drinks that do not meet the required standards will be locked out of business, National Authority for Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) chairman John Mututho has said.

He said Nacada, in conjunction with other government institutions, would inspect all manufacturing plants.

“We shall conduct impromptu tests and analysis of products.

"Those that do not meet the set parameters will be closed down for at least three months,” Mr Mututho.

He was speaking in Thika Town yesterday during an inspection tour of Vinepack Ltd, the manufactures of Fiesta Ice and Mfalme.

He said Nairobi, Kisumu and Naivasha have a majority of the rogue brewers.

“A lot of counterfeit alcoholic drinks are also being manufactured in Kariobangi Light Industries, Nairobi.

CLOSE DOWN PREMISES

"We shall raid and close down such premises, We are tired of being seen as choir masters” he said and warned that law breakers will soon be arraigned in court.

The Nacada boss said brewers of illicit liquor are known to take advantage of the festive season to sell their products and warned that the agency will be on the alert.

Mr Mututho expressed satisfaction with the Vinepack products, saying the brewing process had met the set standards.

A director of the company, Johnson Murei, said the government had failed to protect genuine indigenous manufacturers of alcohol from counterfeits.

“As investors and taxpayers, we get discouraged when unscrupulous people use our labels and branded bottles to sell illicit killer brews many of whom are known and yet no action is taken against them,” the director said.