The government has made 12,443 arrests and seized over 1.4 million litres of second-generation and illicit alcohol in a month across the country.
The Ministry of Interior said the arrests and illicit brew seizure happened between March 8 to March 31, 2024.
Within the same period, 25,219 raids were made across the eight regions.
The CS said the war on illicit alcohol, narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances entails the complete suppression of both the supply and demand.
He said treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration of addicts remain a key government objective to suppress demand.
As a result, the government announced plans to establish treatment and rehabilitation centres across 47 counties
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said the facilities would be funded by the national government in partnership with county governments.
"The war on illicit alcohol, narcotic drugs, and psychotropic substances entails the complete suppression of both the supply and demand. To suppress demand, treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration of addicts remains a key objective of the government," he said.
On March 6, 2024, the government declared the fight against illicit alcohol, drug, and substance abuse a top national security threat.
The declaration was followed by the introduction of 25 key directives aimed at initiating crackdowns, regulations, and enforcement actions across the entire demand and supply chain.
Among the 25 measures was the 21-day suspension of all 52 licenses and permits issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority and the Kenya Bureau of Standards.
The enforcement measures included a review of the legal framework applicable to the sector.
There was also the imposition of penalties on public or private officials who contribute to the death or material injury of persons through the sale of dangerous alcohol, drugs, or other substances.
As part of the measures, the government suspended licences for all manufacturers of second-generation alcohol.
They will have to apply afresh for the license and all existing valid licences will be vetted within 21 days.
CS Kindiki also ordered the closure of bars and clubs within the residential estates and learning institutions.
