By A, KNA
Bar owners in Kajiado North and Kajiado West sub-counties who have been operating without a license have been put on notice.
Samuel Muchiri, chairperson of the liquor department and Sub-County Administrator of Kajiado North and Kajiado West, said that bar owners who run their businesses without proper licenses and rely on the assumption that government officers will “understand their situation” will no longer be tolerated.
Speaking during a meeting between government officials and bar owners held in Ngong, Muchiri stressed that inspection of liquor premises is mandatory and must be carried out only by officers legally mandated to do so.
“During inspection, those supposed to inspect your business premises are representatives from the county or sub-county government, social services, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NACADA), the National Police, and an officer from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA),” Muchiri said.
The meeting was convened to discuss and find solutions to the challenges surrounding liquor licensing, with an aim of ensuring clarity, fairness, and compliance for all parties involved.
Ngong Member of County Assembly (MCA) Mbiriri Mwaura acknowledged that the liquor business is often viewed as fraudulent, a perception that contributes to the harassment bar owners sometimes face even from government authorities.
“As leaders, we appreciate you and recognize you as business people like any other. We understand that you need timely licensing to avoid unnecessary harassment. We acknowledge the challenges you face, and as leaders, we will help as much as we can,” MCA Mbiriri said.
However, Mbiriri cautioned bar owners who engage in unethical practices, including selling alcohol to school-going children, operating near hospitals and residential areas, or engaging in the sale of illegal brews. He also criticized careless disposal of liquor waste.
“I urge bar owners and businesses to cooperate with the government by adhering to the regulations set for the sector,” Mbiriri added.
Kennedy Thiong’o, who oversees liquor licensing in the sub-county, officially announced the opening of liquor license applications for the 2025/2026 year. He reminded bar owners of the importance of renewing their licenses and ensuring all their documents are up to date.
Meanwhile, Sub-County Environment Officer Andrew Pailon urged bar owners to avoid polluting the environment, warning against careless disposal of liquor waste. He also raised concerns over the use of highly amplified sound systems, which disturb residents living near entertainment spots.
On behalf of bar owners, John Njuguna, chairperson of the Ngong Bar Owners Association, appealed to the government to review and reduce high licensing fees. He also called for adjustments to certain regulatory provisions to make it easier for businesses to operate sustainably.
Kenya’s Alcoholic Drinks Control Act of 2010 imposes strict penalties on those operating without proper licenses. Offenders face fines of up to Sh500,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one month. The Kajiado alcohol sector is further regulated by the Kajiado County Drinks and Alcohol Management Act, 2023, which complements the national law.
Penalties vary depending on whether the offense falls under national or county jurisdiction. For example, the national Act prescribes fines of up to Sh150,000 for selling alcohol to minors, while the county Act allocates part of licensing revenue to rehabilitation programs. Repeat offenders may also face license cancellation, rehabilitation orders, imprisonment, or additional fines.
The meeting ended with both government officials and bar owners committing to work together to ensure compliance, reduce harassment, and promote responsible liquor business practices in Kajiado.
