The Kiambu County Government has initiated a comprehensive inspection of all bars and alcoholic beverage outlets within its jurisdiction. This annual exercise is a routine measure to verify compliance with the rules and regulations stipulated under the County’s Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, and to prepare bar owners for the upcoming license renewal cycle.
The inspection, which began last week, is being spearheaded by the Director of Alcoholic Drinks Control, Michael Kangethe. The timing is crucial, as most bar licenses expire in December, necessitating the check ahead of the new year’s renewal process.
“We started the exercise last week where a team is going round inspecting all bars in the county so as to ensure compliance and also prepare bar owners to renew licenses next year,” Kangethe stated.
Director Kangethe emphasized that the inspections are vital for identifying premises that are adhering to the law versus those operating illegally, allowing the county to take appropriate action against defaulters.
“Our officers, while on inspections, get to know the bars that are abiding by the law, which ones that are not compliant, the illegal dens selling unwarranted alcohol, and the hygiene status of the bars,” he explained.
A significant change in the county’s enforcement strategy involves the establishment of Alcoholic Drinks Control Ward Committees. The County Assembly recently reviewed the law to decentralize the inspection process, moving it from the sub-county level to the ward level.
“Earlier, the bars were being inspected from sub-county level where the County Assembly reviewed the law and passed that the bars should be inspected from ward level since not all areas are the same and have different dynamics,” Kangethe noted.
However, the Director clarified that while these ward committees are mandated to vet and inspect premises for compliance, they have no power to issue licenses. Their role is strictly to give recommendations, which are then forwarded to the county level for verification and implementation.
The county is grappling with several emerging compliance challenges:
Unauthorized Keg Beer Sales: Many establishments licensed as “bar and restaurants” have introduced keg beer into their premises, which is a violation of current regulations. “We are in talks with the County Assembly to stipulate which bars should be allowed to sell keg beers,” Kangethe said.
Sale of Traditional Brews: The traditional brew, Muratina, has been found on sale inside licensed bars. While the brew itself is not illegal, its sale in these establishments is against the law. “Muratina traditional brew is not illegal but it is not supposed to be sold inside bars and unfortunately it is being sold against the law,” he cautioned.
Noise Pollution: The issue of noise pollution remains a sticking point, particularly in areas bordering Nairobi like Kinoo and Ruaka, which have been identified as notorious for flouting the alcoholic drinks laws. The county has held meetings with bar owners, leading to progress in soundproofing and minimizing noise.
So far, the county has taken firm action, revoking the licenses of four notorious bars following numerous complaints from Kiambu residents, including premises reportedly linked to deaths.
Enforcement efforts have been complicated by some closed bars managing to resume operations through court orders, despite being shut down for non-compliance.
Kangethe also called on the National Security Administration to ensure that police canteens operating privately or opening their doors to the public adhere strictly to the county’s Alcoholic Drinks Control Act.
“We have a challenge of how police canteens are being operated since they opened doors for public… We have had several complaints of three of them where we have held a meeting with the County Commissioner and expect they will toe the line,” he urged.
To bolster enforcement, a multi-agency committee has been established. Its mandate is to ensure that all laws pertaining to alcohol consumption—including prescribed operating times and the safety and fitness of the alcohol being consumed—are followed, especially during the forthcoming festive season. The county is working closely with the Chairmen of the Bar Owners Association to ensure actions taken against non-compliant bars are not viewed as malicious targeting.
