Sorghum boosts incomes, illicit liquor war

Economic empowerment is key in maintaining the mutually beneficial partnership, which has seen KBL pay more than Sh2 billion annually to local barley and sorghum famers. By Eric Kiniti.

Today, 80 per cent of raw materials used at Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) is locally sourced—a milestone achieved through strategic partnerships in the value chain.

This has created employment for more than 30,000 farmers and continuously generates business value by supporting over 80,000 businesses.

A few years back, illicit liquor was one of the major challenges facing the country with thousands of youth opting for drinks such as chang’aa, which were cheap but often posed serious dangers to their health.

The drinks, contaminated with methanol and other concoctions, eventually caused blindness and resulted in death.

This led to the introduction of Senator Keg in the Kenyan market, which is now providing a safe, affordable beer that is at the centre of the fight against illegal brews.

The ongoing formalisation to enable licensing of outlets that previously sold illegal alcohol, making them exclusive Senator Keg outlets, will also ensure that consumers get high-quality beer in hygienic conditions and at affordable prices.

Alcohol manufacturers have a responsibility to create a responsible drinking culture.

Farmers, who are changing the community for the better, deserve to have a comfortable and decent life. Through the keg, KBL supports this concept by providing a market for drought-resistant crops such as sorghum, which is diversifying the country’s crop base and improving overall food security.

Economic empowerment is key in maintaining the mutually beneficial partnership, which has seen KBL pay more than Sh2 billion annually to local barley and sorghum farmers.

Our engagement with these smallscale farmers also focuses on the “Jilishe Kisha Uuze” programme that encourages them to grow sorghum and millet to meet their household needs then sell the surplus to increase their income.

Enhanced value partnerships with farmers to provide quality sorghum will ensure the production of Senator Keg continues and that consumers have a healthy and affordable option, pulling them away from the jaws of illicit brews.

Eric Kiniti is the corporate relations director at EABL. Growing.Value. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.