Nairobi, March 7 -- The government has suspended all licences of second-generation alcohol manufacturers and distillers pending fresh vetting, and ordered the closure of bars within 300 metres of schools and residential areas.

The measures, which are part of 25 new strict rules to curb rampant alcohol abuse, were announced on Wednesday by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua - the poster boy of President William Ruto's administration's bid to rid the country of illicit drinks - and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.

At the same time, all public officers that run bars have been asked to stop with immediate effect, on grounds that the law bars them from running such businesses.

"All public officers currently operating such premises...