Kiambu residents could soon gain sweeping powers to petition for the closure of rogue bars and the cancellation of liquor licences under far-reaching amendments to the county’s alcohol control law aimed at tightening regulation of the sector and curbing the spread of illicit brews.
The proposed changes to the Kiambu County Alcoholic Drinks Act, now under review by the County Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Public Service and Administration in consultation with the County Executive, seek to strengthen enforcement, increase public participation and seal legal loopholes that have allowed illegal alcohol outlets to thrive despite mounting complaints from residents.
If approved, the reforms would allow members of the public to formally petition Sub-County Alcoholic Drinks Committees to revoke licences or order the closure of outlets found selling illicit liquor, operating outside approved hours or violating licensing conditions.
Speaking during a consultative meeting to review the law, Committee Chairperson Hezron Gachui, the MCA for Riabai Ward, said the amendments were driven by growing public concern over the mushrooming of bars in both rural and urban areas and the continued sale of illegal alcohol.
“We continue to receive numerous complaints from residents and Members of County Assembly regarding non-compliant liquor outlets. The amendments are intended to give wananchi a greater voice while strengthening enforcement against illegal operators,” he said.
One of the most significant proposals is the abolition of the current Ward Alcoholic Drinks Committees in favour of Sub-County Committees, a move county officials believe will streamline regulation, improve accountability and eliminate administrative overlaps.
The review also proposes restructuring liquor licence categories to better reflect the differing needs of urban and rural areas, while introducing stronger regulatory mechanisms to enhance compliance.
Kiambu County Director of Alcoholic Drinks Control Michael Kangethe said the review was informed by recommendations from the Controller of Budget, which urged the county to strengthen its legal framework through comprehensive regulations capable of fully operationalising the Alcoholic Drinks Act.
According to Mr Kangethe, the proposed amendments will provide a firmer legal basis for enforcement officers, shielding them from political interference when acting on complaints lodged by members of the public.
He said the reforms also seek to establish comprehensive County Alcoholic Drinks Regulations, strengthen institutional management, formalise budget allocations for alcohol control programmes and improve collaboration between alcohol control officers, public health officials and the police.
The committee further endorsed proposals by Limuru Central MCA Josephine Nduta Muongi, who has pushed for stricter provisions requiring licensed premises to adhere to approved operating hours and sell only legally certified alcoholic drinks.
Ms Nduta warned that some establishments continue to flout licensing conditions by operating late into the night while others stock dangerous illicit brews.
“We also have outlets selling illegal and illicit liquor, including the brew commonly known as Gathuri Nguii, as well as illegal drugs that pose serious risks to the health and safety of our communities,” she said.
County leaders say alcohol abuse remains one of the major social challenges affecting families across Kiambu, with complaints reported from Gatundu North, Gatundu South, Ndumberi, Riabai, Limuru Central and several other wards.
Mr Gachui said the proposed legal changes are intended to restore order in the sector while protecting vulnerable communities from the devastating effects of alcohol abuse.
“Alcohol has affected many families, and the complaints we continue to receive demonstrate the need for stronger enforcement. We believe these amendments will help address the challenges currently being experienced,” he said.
As part of the review process, the committee will undertake inspection tours across all sub-counties to assess enforcement of the existing law, inspect licensed premises and evaluate compliance levels.
The draft amendments will be presented before the County Assembly for debate and approval once consultations with the County Executive Committee Member responsible for the sector are completed.
If enacted, the reforms are expected to significantly reshape alcohol regulation in Kiambu by placing greater responsibility on communities to report violations while giving enforcement agencies stronger legal tools to crack down on rogue liquor operators.
