By Felix Njenga
The Kiambu County Government has commenced a comprehensive inspection of all bars and entertainment joints to assess their compliance with the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act ahead of the annual licence renewal period.
According to Alcoholic Drinks Control Director Michael Kang’ethe, the month-long exercise is traditionally conducted in November and December, aligning with the expiry of bar licences at the end of the year.
“We started the exercise last week where a team is going round inspecting all bars in the county to ensure compliance and also prepare owners for licence renewal next year,” Kang’ethe said.
Kang’ethe noted that the inspections help the county identify bars adhering to the law and expose illegal outlets operating without approval.
“Our officers get to know which establishments are compliant, those that are not, the illegal dens selling unregulated alcohol, and the hygiene status of the premises,” he added.
He revealed that the County Assembly recently amended the law to introduce Alcoholic Drinks Control Ward Committees, which are mandated to vet and inspect bars at the ward level. Previously, inspections were conducted at the subcounty level.
“The law now requires inspections to be done from the ward level because different areas have unique dynamics. The committees vet the bars but do not issue licences—they only make recommendations which are later verified and approved at the county level,” he said.
The director raised concern over a growing trend where large bars licensed as restaurants have introduced keg beer sales without authorisation.
“Many bar-and-restaurant establishments have introduced keg beer, which is against the regulations. We are engaging the County Assembly to clearly outline which outlets should sell keg beer,” he explained.
He added that some bars have also started selling muratina, a traditional alcoholic drink, contrary to the law.
“Muratina is not illegal, but it is not supposed to be sold inside bars. Unfortunately, some outlets have disregarded this rule,” he said.
Kang’ethe disclosed that the county has already revoked licences of four notorious bars, following complaints from residents and incidents reported within the establishments.
“We have had bars that have been extremely notorious, including some where deaths were allegedly reported. We have closed four of them and are pursuing others,” he stated.
However, he pointed out that the county has faced challenges with some outlets that reopen through court orders despite previous closures for noncompliance.
Noise pollution remains another contentious issue between county officials and bar owners. Kang’ethe said the county has held meetings with proprietors to address the issue, resulting in progress in soundproofing and noise reduction.
He identified Kinoo and Ruaka, especially areas bordering Nairobi, as hotspots for alcohol regulation violations.
“We involve chairpersons of bar owners’ associations in our committees to address emerging issues. But still, some establishments break the law. Once we act, the association helps ensure owners understand we are not maliciously targeting them,” he said.
Kang’ethe also called on national government security administrators to ensure police-run canteens comply with county regulations. He noted that some police canteens have opened their doors to the public, contrary to the provisions of the Act.
“We have challenges with how some police canteens operate. They must abide by the law. We have received complaints about three of them and have held talks with the County Commissioner. We expect they will follow the regulations,” he said.
With the festive season approaching, Kang’ethe said a multi-agency committee has been formed to enforce alcohol laws, regulate operating hours, and ensure that all alcoholic products sold are safe for consumption.
“The goal is to ensure alcohol is taken within the prescribed times and that what residents consume is fit and safe,” he said.
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