The government is working on a model of reintroducing low-priced but healthy and affordable alcoholic drinks as one of the ways of eradicating illicit brew on the market.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said that under the model, the government will also address taxation, which impedes the production of cheaper but healthy brands.
He spoke on Monday during an interview with vernacular stations Kameme TV and Kememe FM.
The DP said talks are ongoing with a leading alcoholic beverages manufacturer over the production of the low-priced beverage.
“We will address the taxation issue. The main problem is the portable spirits whose alcohol level is extremely high and toxic which have ruined families. As a government we have a responsibility to eradicate the illicit brews,” he said.
Gachagua explained that the ongoing fight is targeting manufacturers and sellers of illicit and illegal brews.
The Deputy President highlighted the government’s achievements and the ongoing efforts to turn around the economy.
“Legit businesses will not be affected by the crackdown. Bar owners must unite and work with the government to eradicate the rogue traders and manufacturers producing the killer drinks. Instead of rushing to court to fight the crackdown, the bar owners should establish an organization to eradicate the rogue traders amongst them,” he said.”Bar owners must stop claiming that the government is fighting their businesses. We are not fighting legitimate businesses because the government supports genuine enterprises.”Gachagua noted that the government will not allow unscrupulous traders to kill people.
The DP said that it is greed and an overnight chase for the accumulation of wealth that led to the menace.
He also urged governors to open rehabilitation wards in Level Four hospitals to treat addicts of alcoholism.
On the political situation in the country, the Deputy President said he supports the report of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report and its recommendations.Regarding the forthcoming delimitation of boundaries, he assured Mt Kenya residents that no constituency will be scrapped overpopulation quota.Instead, he said Mt Kenya deserves additional constituencies.
He cited areas like Kiharu and Kieni deserve sub-division because they are vast while others like Ruiru and Thika deserve sub-division because they are highly populated.Regarding the agriculture sector, Gachagua said the reforms in the coffee, tea, macadamia and avocado sub-sectors were bearing fruits.
“Coffee farmers through their cooperatives can now access the direct sales,” he said.
