• Kindiki said the vetting will include officers from all enforcement agencies.
• This measure, according to the Interior CS is aimed at stopping the smuggling of the banned substances into the country.
Image: MINA
Interior and National Administration CS Kithure Kindiki now says that all officers manning borders, highways and regional offices will undergo vetting.
Speaking on Wednesday the Interior boss announced the government's action on eradication of illicit brew, drug and substance abuse.
Kindiki said the vetting will include officers from all enforcement agencies.
The CS insisted that only officers with unquestionable integrity levels would be stationed at these sections to conduct surveillance at borders and highways.
This measure, according to the Interior CS is aimed at stopping the smuggling of banned substances into the country.
He cited Namanga, Isebania, Moyale and Isiolo border points as some of the most affected.
"All enforcement agencies shall undertake integrity vetting of all officers manning border points, highways and regional offices.
"Only officers of integrity and good standing will be appointed to conduct surveillance at the border points and highways, especially Namanga and Isebania, Moyale and Isiolo," Kindiki said.
He further directed that the transportation of all alcoholic and tobacco products will only be between 6 am and 6 pm.
However, the CS noted that the guidelines will be issued within 14 days from today.
"The Ministry of Interior and National Administration and Ministry of Health shall put in place measures for branding and colour specification of all alcoholic and tobacco distribution vehicles. Further, such products are to be transported between the hours of 6 am and 6 pm only," he said.
Following this, Kindiki stated that manufacturers are expected to secure full implementation within 45 days.
In addition to that, the CS also stated that no bars or liquor-selling establishments will be allowed to operate beyond the set, operating hours.
The perpetrators, he said will be fined or imprisoned as stipulated by law.
The law in Kenya stipulates that bars should operate from 5 pm to 11 pm during weekdays. On weekends, they can operate from 2 pm to 11 pm.
"No bars or alcoholic outlets shall be allowed to operate beyond the stipulated operation hours as provided in section 34 of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, failure to which the operator shall be fined or imprisoned as provided by law and all the drinks, and related accessories in the premises forfeited with accompanying license withdrawal," Kindiki said.