The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has reiterated its commitment to come up with empowerment programmes for reformed brewers.
This comes amid concerns from brewers that the government is fighting their only source of income adding that the ongoing crackdown on the sale of illicit brews in the country will breed unemployment.
Nacada Acting CEO John Muteti said the authority working in collaboration with counties, the national government, NGOs, CBOs, and other well-wishers will come up with empowerment programmes to support reformed brewers.
Muteti however maintained that brewing is illegal and endangers the lives of Kenyans as most of the activities take place in unhygienic conditions.
“That is a legitimate concern but what we are saying is that irrespective of whatever, these people are doing something which is not legal,” Muteti said.
“We are also looking at telling them there are better ways of earning money, there are better ways of earning a livelihood, they don't have to earn a livelihood illegally but you can do it through better and more acceptable legal ways."
He said some counties across the country are already having initiatives in place targeting reformed brewers with other income generating activities and consequently, reducing the burden of illicit brews.
“We have some of the counties which have really helped more than 2,000 reformed brewers to come up with the income generating activities and it is working very well.”
On Wednesday, Mt Kenya residents called on the government to stop the ongoing crackdown on the sale of illicit brews in the region.
Restaurant and bar association owners urged the government to focus on those selling illicit brews but let traders in genuine alcohol continue with the business.
The operators said the crackdown is hurting businesses as it is the business people who are being targeted and not the illicit brews.
Last week, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki affirmed the government's commitment to eliminate drug abuse and illicit brew trade in the country, particularly in Central Kenya.
Kindiki said the country risks losing an entire generation to the vices.
"The manufacture, trade, use, and abuse of illicit alcohol and narcotic drugs in Central Kenya and other parts of the country is a serious security threat," Kindiki said.
