KBL to launch Sh25 beer brand to counter illicit brews

A blinded victim of toxic brew is
strapped to his bed at the Makueni
Hospital to prevent him from
escaping. Kenya Breweries Limited
plans to introduce a low-priced
brand in the market, to counter
such brews.

Kenya: Battle for a share of the low-
end alcohol market is set to go a
notch higher. This follows plan by
Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) to
introduce a low-priced brand in the
market, to counter illicit brews.
While there is a ban on spirits sold
in sachets, most of these brands
have surfaced in rural areas where
business is booming.
“We will develop an alternative brew
that will sell at Sh25 and will target
economically challenged members of
the society who will enjoy the drink
while guaranteeing their safety,”
said KBL Managing Director Joe
Muganda. He made these remarks
yesterday while addressing the
media in Nairobi. This is against the
background of the rising death toll
from illicit liquor, which reached 80
people by yesterday.
A previous attempt by KBL to enter
the low-end market has been
thwarted by a punitive tax regime,
pushing out its popular Senator Keg
beer brand out of the pubs.
KBL is lobbying for a friendly tax
bracket to allow it sell the low cost
beer, a move that will kill the illegal
chang’aa business.