Eric Githua News Today

Stakeholders say local manufacturers will be subjected to double taxation of the products.

Manufacturers say 95% of the spirits portfolio will be affected.

Alcoholic Beverages Association of Kenya (ABAK) and the Bar, Hotel and LiquorTraders Association (BAHLITA) have called on the National and County governments to involve all players in the sector in the formulation of policies and laws to regulate the industry.

According to Alcoholic Beverages Association of Kenya, the drop in imported spirits is due to a sharp increase in taxes.

They comprised of alcoholic beverages, cigarettes and ethanol.

They claim the proposal was not taken through public participation.

Through its chairperson Eric Githua, the association said the war against counterfeits and illicit brews cannot be won if the government does not revise the taxes.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has come under pressure to ease Kenya’s Covid-19 restrictions after a sharp decline in infections and hospital admissions reported in recent weeks.

Alcohol manufacturers have requested the government to extend bar operating period by two hours to create more jobs and help businesses in the sector recover.

Alcohol manufacturers have petitioned the State to increase bar operating period by two hours in the wake of falling Covid-19 infection rates.