Kiambu County has stepped up efforts to combat illicit alcoholic drinks, with liquor regulators, security agencies and bar owners agreeing on the need for tighter licensing controls, enhanced accountability and closer cooperation in enforcing alcohol laws.
The renewed push follows a consultative meeting chaired by Chief Officer for Administration Martin Kangiri, bringing together the Kiambu County Liquor Committee and the Gatundu North and Gatundu South Sub County Liquor Committees to address regulatory challenges and strengthen the fight against illegal alcoholic beverages.
The meeting brought together county and national government officials, security agencies, enforcement officers, the chairman of the County Bar Owners Association and representatives of liquor traders from the two constituencies.
Discussions centred on licensing procedures, compliance with statutory requirements, enforcement of regulations and the need to build a working relationship between authorities and legitimate businesses in the liquor industry.
The meeting comes amid growing calls for a coordinated approach to alcohol regulation, with officials emphasising that the fight against illicit brews should not undermine businesses operating within the law.
Director of Alcoholic Drinks Control Michael Kang’ethe said liquor licences must only be issued to establishments that meet the stipulated legal and operational requirements.
He warned that operators who violate licensing conditions risk having their permits revoked, cautioning licensing officers against overlooking breaches or engaging in corrupt practices.
Mr Kang’ethe urged officers to discharge their duties impartially and work closely with the National Police Service to ensure effective enforcement of alcohol control regulations.
He also proposed that sub county liquor committees hold quarterly meetings to assess emerging challenges, review enforcement measures and improve coordination among the various agencies involved in regulating the sector.
The Director of Enforcement called on officers to uphold the law and adopt a unified approach in carrying out their responsibilities, warning against fragmented enforcement efforts that could undermine the county’s regulatory objectives.
Deputy County Commissioners for Gatundu North and Gatundu South, meanwhile, urged local administrators to maintain open communication with liquor traders, saying sustained engagement would help address compliance concerns and promote responsible business operations.
They stressed that alcohol regulation should be viewed as a public safety and health intervention rather than a campaign against legitimate bar owners.
In his address, Mr Kangiri underscored the importance of collaboration between county departments, national government administrators, security agencies and business representatives in tackling the complex challenges associated with alcohol regulation.
He said the county was pursuing amendments to the Kiambu County Alcoholic Drinks Control Act to strengthen the regulatory framework and improve oversight of the liquor industry.
The proposed changes are expected to enhance the participation of relevant government agencies in the inspection and licensing of liquor establishments, paving the way for more coordinated enforcement of the law.
Mr Kangiri said the involvement of multiple agencies would help ensure that licensing decisions are informed by comprehensive assessments and that establishments meet the required standards before being allowed to operate.
The county is also exploring a partnership with Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) to facilitate scientific testing of alcoholic drinks seized during enforcement operations.
Mr Kangiri said the proposed collaboration would enable authorities to establish whether impounded beverages suspected to be illicit are unsafe or fail to meet the required standards.
The initiative is expected to improve the speed and accuracy of verification, enabling enforcement agencies to take appropriate action against potentially harmful products.
The county administration has identified the need for reliable testing as a critical component of its efforts to protect consumers from dangerous alcoholic beverages.
Mr Kangiri called on bar owners and other stakeholders to support the campaign by adhering to licensing requirements, maintaining responsible business practices and reporting suspected illegal alcohol operations.
He reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to safeguarding public health, protecting consumers and ensuring that businesses operating within the law are allowed to thrive.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of balancing effective regulation with constructive engagement, with stakeholders expected to work together to address challenges facing the liquor industry while ensuring compliance with existing laws.
Kiambu County officials said sustained cooperation among regulators, administrators, security agencies and liquor traders would be key to strengthening oversight and curbing the circulation of illicit alcoholic drinks.
Sharpen the lead around enforcement decisionsRemove repeated points on collaborationClarify unnamed enforcement officials
