Interior and National Administration CS Kithure Kindiki has announced that all officers stationed at borders, highways, and regional offices will undergo a comprehensive vetting process. This decision, part of the government’s efforts to combat illicit brews, drug abuse, and substance abuse, extends to officers from all enforcement agencies.

Kindiki emphasized that only officers with unquestionable integrity levels will be deployed to conduct surveillance at borders and highways. The goal is to curb the smuggling of banned substances into the country, with a focus on particularly affected border points such as Namanga, Isebania, Moyale, and Isiolo.

“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,” stated Kindiki.

Furthermore, he directed that the transportation of alcoholic and tobacco products be restricted to the hours between 6 am and 6 pm. However, the specific guidelines for implementation will be issued within 14 days from the announcement date.

“The Ministry of Interior and National Administration and Ministry of Health shall put in place measures for branding and color 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 added.

Manufacturers are expected to fully implement these measures within 45 days, as per Kindiki’s directive. Additionally, the CS reiterated the strict enforcement of operating hours for bars and liquor-selling establishments, with fines or imprisonment as stipulated by the law for any violations. The specified operating hours are from 5 pm to 11 pm on weekdays and from 2 pm to 11 pm on weekends.