Kirinyaga County Commissioner Shufaa Mwajuma has intensified efforts to combat illicit alcohol trade, warning bar owners to comply with regulations and protect children from exposure to alcohol. During a meeting with National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) and security officials in Baricho, Ndia Constituency, Mwajuma emphasized the county’s commitment to eradicating illegal brews, citing recent seizures of 283 litres of Makavo, 49 litres of Muratina, seven kilograms of bhang, and 432 rolls of illicit alcohol between August 1 and September 30, 2026. "This is not just empty talk, but actual action in the fight against illicit brew," she stated, highlighting 54 ongoing court cases and 28 arrests under the three-day Rapid Response Initiative (RRI).
Mwajuma criticized bars operating outside authorized hours, lacking health compliance certificates, and situated dangerously close to schools, hospitals, and residential areas. She urged bar operators to obtain proper licenses and called on the County Government to enforce stricter safety standards. "Customers visiting those premises are citizens who deserve protection," she said, noting that some bars were located mere meters from educational and healthcare facilities. The commissioner also stressed the need for community involvement in the licensing process, as the number of bars in some areas exceeded that of food grocery shops.
State House Head of Creative Economy and Special Projects Dennis Itumbi echoed these concerns, warning that underage children were accessing alcohol in bars. He condemned the practice, stating, "We came together to warn those people who are involving our children and next generation into the issues of alcohol, that we will not take kindly any of that business." Itumbi urged judicial officers to impose maximum fines for illicit alcohol offenses, criticizing current penalties as insufficient. He cited a case where an offender was fined Sh3,000, arguing that such low fines failed to deter repeat offenses.
The crackdown also targets bars violating the 300-meter restriction from schools, a law Itumbi reiterated. He announced intensified enforcement with roadblocks to intercept nighttime alcohol shipments, stating, "Those who are bringing in alcohol in the wee hours of the night... be warned that now there will be roadblocks across Kirinyaga." The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will collaborate on the operation, integrating rehabilitation programs for alcohol-dependent individuals.
Mwajuma and Itumbi emphasized the public health and safety implications of unregulated bars, particularly their proximity to vulnerable populations. They called for transparency in licensing, urging chiefs and residents to scrutinize proposals for new establishments. "It is improper to issue licenses to bars located barely three metres from schools, hospitals, and residential areas," Mwajuma said, underscoring the need for community oversight. The officials also highlighted the role of rehabilitation in addressing addiction, ensuring offenders receive support to reintegrate into society.
The measures reflect broader efforts to safeguard youth and uphold public welfare. Itumbi reiterated the government’s stance: "We will not allow illicit alcohol to be transported into the county from outside." Authorities have pledged to strengthen enforcement against manufacturers, suppliers, and bar operators involved in the illicit trade. The campaign underscores a multi-agency approach to tackle a crisis affecting both public health and community safety.
The Kirinyaga crackdown aligns with national priorities to curb alcohol-related harm, particularly among minors. By combining strict enforcement, community engagement, and rehabilitation, officials aim to create safer environments while holding offenders accountable. The initiative highlights the intersection of governance, public health, and legal reform in addressing a persistent societal challenge.