New KRA regulations on ethanol use will help in war on illicit brews, says Mututho

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) has welcomed the new regulations by Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) on the use of ethanol in the country.

While addressing a press briefing in Nyeri Town Wednesday, Nacada chairman John Mututho said the new regulations would play a major role in curbing the production and consumption of illicit brews in the country.

“Nacada welcomes the new regulation on ethanol. They will ease the monitoring of circulation of ethanol in the country.

"This is a good sign of progress in the war against illicit liquor,” said Mr Mututho.

RULES ON ETHANOL IMPORTS

KRA announced its readiness to enforce the new regulations which dictate that any person intending to import ethanol will have to give their quarterly usage projections with the first estimate to be submitted in September, covering the period between October and December.

Ethanol importers will also be required to seek clearance from KRA and declare their cargo a week before its arrival.

The cargo will be strictly transported using vehicles fitted with electronic tracking devices.

Mututho said that although a tobacco board had not been formed yet, Nacada was still monitoring its consumption and that anyone who violated the set regulations on the consumption of tobacco will be prosecuted.

The Nacada boss also warned that anyone found presenting any promotional material on marijuana would face legal action since bhang remains illegal in Kenya.

“Marijuana is illegal. Anybody who tries to promote its consumption will face the law.

“This includes those who have been lacing chapatis, cakes and cookies with bhang,” said Mr Mututho.

He also urged Kenyans to be on the lookout when purchasing and consuming pastries as some had been found to be laced with bhang.