Murang’a bar owners have called for a crackdown on illicit and substandard alcohol, warning that illegal products threaten legitimate businesses and public health.

The operators demanded tougher enforcement against manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of counterfeit liquor, arguing that action should target the networks behind the illegal trade rather than legitimate businesses.

Bar owner Jane Wanjiru urged both the county and the national governments to work together to prevent illicit alcohol from entering the local market and undermining compliant traders.

“We want to sell products that, when someone consumes it, allows them to enjoy themselves and wake up the following day ready to go to work,” Wanjiru said.

She said legitimate traders should be allowed to conduct their businesses without competition from people selling dangerous and substandard alcoholic products.

Wanjiru appealed to the government to intensify the fight against illicit alcohol while ensuring that legitimate businesses are given room to operate freely.

John Joseph Njuguna, chairperson of the Murang’a County Bar and Hotel Owners Association, affirmed that licensed operators remained committed to promoting responsible trade and had consistently supported efforts to eliminate illicit and counterfeit alcohol.

He said members had cooperated with law enforcement agencies over the years, complied with licensing requirements and reported suspicious activities involving illegal alcohol.

Njuguna observed that enforcement operations in Murang’a had exposed the continued existence of illegal alcohol manufacturing and distribution networks, which he warned posed a threat to public health and safety.

Authorities have recovered counterfeit alcohol, fake tax stamps, industrial chemicals and other materials allegedly used in the production of dangerous alcoholic drinks, he said.

“Counterfeit and illicit alcohol has no place in our businesses or our society,” Njuguna added.

He called for the government to intensify operations against manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of illicit liquor and strengthen surveillance and investigations.

The association also wants authorities to enhance inspection and verification of manufacturing and distribution licences to ensure that operators comply with regulations.

Njuguna urged authorities to increase public awareness campaigns to educate consumers on the dangers of illicit alcohol and help them identify potentially harmful products.

He proposed regular engagement between government agencies and licensed bar owners to facilitate the sharing of information and enable authorities to respond to emerging threats.

The operators want tougher penalties for individuals found manufacturing or distributing counterfeit alcohol, as well as action against those who facilitate or shield the illegal trade.

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The association also urged the government to support community-led initiatives aimed at protecting young people from alcohol abuse and exposure to harmful products.

Njuguna said the fight against illicit alcohol could not be won by business owners alone and required sustained cooperation between licensed traders, government agencies and enforcement authorities.

The bar owners argued that stronger enforcement will protect consumers while safeguarding legitimate businesses that invest in compliance and operate within the law.

Their call came just a day after Deputy President Kithure Kindiki vowed to intensify the government’s fight against illicit and substandard alcohol in the region. Kindiki directed security agencies and regulators to target manufacturers, distributors and retailers involved in the illegal trade.