Keroche factory re-opens after KRA closure

Keroche Production Manager George Otinga inspecting some of the beer bottles at the Naivasha-based factory.

Keroche Production Manager George Otinga inspecting some of the beer bottles at the Naivasha-based factory.

Photo credit: Macharia Mwangi | Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

  • The alcoholic drinks maker was shut down last month after it breached terms of repaying Sh957 million tax arrears over a period of 24 months.
  • Justice Mshila on July 28 ordered KRA to reopen the factory forthwith bending determination of contempt of court case next week.


Naivasha-based Keroche Breweries has been reopened following a court directive.

The alcoholic drinks maker was shut last month after it breached terms of repaying Sh957 million tax arrears over a period of 24 months as well as failing to pay a cent in duty from beer sales since its March reopening.

“By reopening, we are complying with an order issued by Justice Alfred Mabeya on July 14, 2022 and subsequently, and direction issued by Justice Abigail Mshila on July 28, pending court outcome,” Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) deputy commissioner in charge of enforcement, Mutembei Nyaga told a media briefing.

Justice Mshila on July 28 ordered KRA to reopen the factory forthwith bending determination of contempt of court case next week.

Keroche Breweries has filed a contempt application against KRA Commissioner General Githii Mburu over alleged disobedience of court orders to reopen the alcohol distilling plant.

In the application, the brewer said it is on the verge of suffering a loss of beer valued at Sh350 million.