As an association representing legitimate business owners within the liquor industry, we fully support the fight for the eradication of illicit brew and drug abuse and pledge to work hand in hand with relevant government authorities and county agencies to win the war.
Legitimate bars do not sell illicit liquor or drugs, which is the real elephant in the room. Less we forget that the liquor, Food and Beverage (hospitality industry) employs at least two Million employees directly in Nairobi alone and 10 times more are indirect beneficiaries which includes suppliers, service providers, boda boda’s, cabs, and many more and also tremendously contributes to the Country’s economic growth.
We call upon our authorities to exercise soberness and fairness when calling for the withdrawal of legitimate licenses and enforcement of compliance since this will only lead to joblessness and insecurity crisis nationally.
As an association we are still in disbelief of how our leaders would wake up and without any prior warning give instructions to shut down legitimate investments of Kenyans paying taxes, rendering millions of young and old Kenyans jobless without any consultation with the stakeholders.
The remedy to the fight against illicit brew is not shutting down businesses but instead having a round table conversation with stakeholders on the industry’s best practices, public civic education, and establishment of an appropriate framework for effective and realistic enforcement approach which helps in achieving remarkable compliance rate within the hospitality industry.
Mt Kenya Times